Online Ticket Scams
You have finally found a bargain after days searching Facebook Marketplace. Taytay tickets for $200? What an absolute steal! Cheap Coldplay tickets, yes please!
Who wouldn’t want the best tickets at a fraction of a price, so of course you message to make sure you get in first. They accept your offer so you send over the cash to a PayID and await their arrival.
But the tickets never arrive and the account you try and message is now deleted….
Online ticket scammers are on the rise, and during the Australian summer while there are plenty of events, they prey on those eager to get their hands on the hottest tickets.
Navigating the online ticket space isn’t easy. Even the high-end and trusted “big ticket sites” allow some form of ticket scalping on their own re-sale marketplaces. This happens when scalpers and scammers buy tickets to re-sell them at an inflated price on the same site, making it technically legal. And when you’re up against bots and programs designed to snipe as many tickets as possible using various accounts, you never really stood a chance getting those tickets from the official source in the first place.
During the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Scamwatch issued a warning to those looking to buy tickets online after several people missed out on official tickets and were scammed in their bid to see the Matilda’s play.
We want you to enjoy what Melbourne has to offer so in partnership with BankVic, we have prepared some tips to buying tickets safely online:
- Be sure about who you’re dealing with before sending cash or personal information. Taking a moment to verify the identity of the person can stop many potential scams before they even start.
- Report suspicious activity to the platform where it’s occurring, whether it’s Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or any other website. This ensures you protect not only yourself from scams, but also those who might fall victim trying to do the same thing.
- Report suspicious activity and scams to www.scamwatch.gov.au. This ensures authorities are aware of fraudulent activities and can help assist investigating them.
- Offer to collect the tickets and exchange money in person. This will reduce the chance of never receiving the tickets.
Here’s a simple breakdown for steering clear of scams while purchasing online:
STOP: Take your time to verify before parting with your cash or personal information. While the idea of seeing your favourite artist might have you wearing rose-tinted lenses, rushed decisions often lead to regrettable outcomes.
THINK: Question all messages and requests and ask yourself – could they be potential scams? Developing a habit of scepticism, while not ideal, can go a long way in protecting yourself.
PROTECT: Never pay money upfront to someone selling tickets online. Offer to meet up with the person in a popular/crowded space or outside a police station, where you can verify their identity and receive the tickets at the same time you part with your cash.
Always remember to act “swiftly” if you notice unusual activity.
Reach out to your bank immediately if you feel you’ve been scammed, as they can often help prevent further damage.
If a scammer does manage to get hold of your money or information, report the incident immediately to Scamwatch.
The chances of getting your cash back once you’ve been scammed are always very low, but by sticking to these guidelines, you’re well-placed to empower yourself against these threats.
Stay vigilant, take your time and sooner than you know it you’ll be on your way to that big event.
And always remember – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
For more information
For more assistance, you can refer to the Scamwatch website.
