Some great football games are being played across the Mid Penn Bank footprint, with many of our resident teams having stellar seasons.  The most popular teams, the Penn State Nittany Lions and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers are both undefeated at 6-0.  Even the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University are enjoying a winning record. Winning football games brings in fans, and tickets to these events are often scarce, forcing buyers to seek tickets from alternative sources.  Unfortunately, fraudsters thrive on scarcity and demand.

With the rising popularity of live events such as concerts and sports games, the issue of event ticket fraud has intensified. Scammers exploit fans desperate to gain tickets for sold-out events, resulting in financial losses and emotional distress. To safeguard yourself against these scams, it’s essential to understand the mechanics of ticket fraud, identify warning signs, and utilize secure purchasing methods.

Event ticket fraud happens when scammers sell fake or non-existent tickets for legitimate events. This crime can manifest in various ways, such as offering counterfeit tickets, selling already used tickets, or even promising nonexistent tickets entirely. Victims usually realize they’ve been deceived when they attempt to enter the event, only to learn that their tickets are invalid or have already been scanned.

In the exciting world of football, we always keep an eye out for those yellow flags! Now, when we switch gears to the realm of fraud, we notice that red flags play a different but equally crucial role. These red flags signal a potential breach of trust or fraudulent behavior that deserves our immediate attention and action.

Red Flags of Ticket Scams

• Tickets Priced Too Low: One of the biggest giveaways of a ticket scam is a price that seems too good to be true. Scammers often lure buyers with tickets priced far below market value. If the ticket price is significantly lower than what’s advertised by legitimate vendors, it strongly indicates fraud.
• Unreliable or Unfamiliar Platforms: Be cautious when purchasing from unfamiliar websites, third-party sellers, or platforms without verified buyer protection. Many scammers create legitimate websites but are set up to collect your payment and personal information.
• Pressure to Pay Quickly or Via Untraceable Methods: Scammers often use urgency to pressure buyers into making hasty decisions. They may claim only a few tickets left and demand immediate payment via methods that can’t be tracked or reversed, such as wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps without buyer protection. If a seller is pushing for these payment methods, it’s a major red flag.
• Lack of Ticket Details: Scammers may avoid providing specific details about the event or seating arrangements. Vague listings that lack seat numbers, event dates, or venue information can indicate that the tickets are fraudulent.

How to Protect Yourself When Buying Tickets

• Buy from Official Sources: The safest way to purchase tickets is directly from the event’s official website, authorized ticket sellers, or the venue’s box office. These sources guarantee that the tickets are legitimate and secure your purchase.
• Use Verified Ticket Resale Platforms: If buying tickets from a reseller, stick to reputable platforms like StubHub, Ticketmaster, or SeatGeek. These platforms offer buyer protections, including money-back guarantees if the tickets are invalid or don’t arrive on time.
• Verify the Seller’s Identity: If you’re buying tickets from an individual (for example, through social media or an online marketplace), ask for proof of purchase, including confirmation emails, receipts, or photos of the tickets. Cross-reference the seller’s profile, checking for reviews, previous sales, and account history to verify authenticity.
• Use validated payment methods: Avoid untraceable payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards. Instead, use secure payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal, which offer fraud protection and allow you to dispute charges if the transaction is fraudulent.
• Be Cautious of Last-Minute Sales: Scammers often prey on desperate buyers looking for last-minute tickets to sold-out events. If someone offers tickets at the last minute, be extra cautious and verify everything before purchasing.

Event ticket fraud is a frustrating and expensive crime aimed at enthusiastic fans. However, by staying cautious and informed, you can safeguard yourself against becoming a victim. Always utilize official or reputable platforms, be skeptical of offers that appear too good to be true, and steer clear of untraceable payment methods.