What is the safest way to buy concert tickets online?
Start with the official source
Go to the artist's official website or the venue's official website and follow the ticket link from there. That link should lead to the primary seller, such as Ticketmaster, AXS, SeatGeek, or a venue's own box office system.
Avoid clicking on ads or sponsored links in search results, because scammers often buy those spots. Type the artist or venue name into your browser and navigate directly.
If you use a reseller, pick a protected one
Major resale marketplaces like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster's own resale section offer buyer guarantees. These guarantees typically promise a valid ticket or your money back if something goes wrong.
Read the guarantee terms before buying. They usually cover things like fake tickets, tickets that don't arrive, or seats that don't match what was sold.
- Check that the site has a clear buyer guarantee.
- Look for a customer service phone number or live chat.
- Search for the site's name plus 'scam' or 'reviews' to see other buyers' experiences.
- Use a credit card, not a debit card, wire transfer, or gift card.
Use safe payment and delivery methods
Credit cards offer fraud protection under federal law, so you can dispute charges if tickets never arrive or are invalid. Debit cards, wire transfers, and peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Zelle generally do not offer the same protection.
For delivery, choose electronic tickets transferred through the official app or a verified resale platform. Avoid sellers who want to email a PDF or meet in person, as those are harder to verify.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the first search result is the official seller; scammers often pay for top ad spots.
- Believing that a padlock icon or HTTPS means the site is legitimate; many scam sites have SSL certificates.
- Paying with a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, which offer no way to get your money back.
