The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is warning residents to watch out for event ticket scams and unfair pricing practices, following a recent Federal Trade Commission complaint against Ticketmaster and Live Nation. The complaint alleges illegal resale tactics and misleading information about prices and ticket limits.
Thousands of New Yorkers attend concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events every year, but high demand and fast sellouts have made the market attractive to scammers posing as ticket sellers, who can steal fans’ money and prevent them from attending their favorite events.
“As football season kicks into high gear and fans’ excitement is at an all-time high, so is the risk of scams,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “I urge all New Yorkers to follow our tips when buying tickets so scammers don’t ruin your chance to enjoy the experiences you look forward to most.”
Tips to Avoid Ticket Scams
1. Buy from official sources:
Always check the venue’s official website or verified sellers. Scammers may create fake sites that look legitimate, so review the URL, contact information, and privacy policy carefully.
2. Watch out for fake tickets:
Be cautious of tickets sold on social media, online marketplaces, or through unverified resellers. Scammers may send convincing screenshots, barcodes, or confirmation emails. Avoid paying outside official platforms.
3. Only use official resale platforms:
Many legitimate ticket platforms now allow resale. These systems handle payment transfers safely, while unverified sources can be risky.
4. Verify the seller:
Research the seller online, check reviews, and confirm a physical address and phone number. Verify that ticket details match the official event. You can also check VerifiedTicketSource.com to confirm the seller is a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers.
5. Be cautious of low prices and hidden fees:
Don’t be tempted by unusually low prices or high-pressure sales tactics. Pay attention to any extra fees. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
6. Pay with a credit card:
Credit cards generally offer better protection than debit cards, cash, or payment apps, in case you need to dispute a charge. Scammers often push untraceable payment methods.
7. Use strong passwords for digital tickets:
Many venues now use digital ticket apps. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your account from hackers.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
