DESIRE, anticipation, and disappointment; every time tickets for a Taylor Swift’s era’s tour go on sale, there is pandemonium, with millions of fans missing out. Pre-sale tickets for Swift’s UK 2024 shows were released last week, and scalpers are already reselling tickets for over £3,000.
Since the Eras tour kicked off in March, reports from the US have claimed that scammers have targeted fans, resulting in some losing as much as $2,500 for tickets that either don’t exist or never arrived. The Better Business Bureau in the US has received nearly 200 complaints related to the Eras tour, ranging from refund difficulties to outright scams.
With millions expected to turn to resale sites to purchase their tickets, they could become prime targets for scammers. In light of this, the experts at Scams.info have provided some helpful tips on how to detect a scam and ensure you don’t fall victim to one.
Here are the top 5 useful ways to avoid a reseller site scam:
Pay attention to the payment method:
When shopping for resold Eras tour tickets online, it is crucial to make payments through the actual website itself. Online scammers often try to pressure buyers into not using a site’s secure payment methods and instead opt for bank transfers before the product has been seen or received. Such seller practices should always raise a red flag. It is advisable to avoid sellers advertising through social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Demand current photos of the product:
Regardless of the ticket you’re trying to purchase, request that the seller send you a recent photo of it or a screenshot of the ticket confirmation. Ask them to place the printed-out ticket(s) or confirmation next to a piece of paper with your name written on it, for example. If they are unwilling to comply, chances are they don’t have the product at all, so it is best not to proceed with the transaction.
Look out for extremely low-priced products:
Tickets being sold at unbelievably low prices are a definite warning sign. Do your research and check prices on other websites to determine the average price of the tickets you intend to buy. With the demand for the Eras Tour expected to be high, resold tickets will most likely be overpriced. Remember: if the price seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
Check the seller’s profile:
Ideally, the seller should have reviews on their profile from previous buyers that you can read. Also, be wary of too many positive reviews that sound the same. Scrutinize the profile carefully for anything that might appear suspicious, and if you notice something, don’t risk buying from that seller.
Decline overpayments if you’re the seller:
While it may not occur frequently, scammers may also target sellers. They may offer to pay more than the set price and then claim they made a mistake, asking for a partial refund. The seller, in good faith, sends the refund, only to discover that the original payment had been canceled. If someone acts suspiciously when you decline an overpayment and ask for the correct amount, it could indicate that they’re a scammer.
As Taylor Swift’s Eras tour captivates fans worldwide, it is essential to stay vigilant and take precautions when purchasing tickets from resale sites. By following these expert tips, fans can reduce the risk of falling victim to reselling scams and ensure they have a memorable and authentic concert experience.
