Beware of concert ticket fraud online

Tickets to popular events and concerts can sell out fast, sometimes within minutes. When that happens, fans often turn to resale platforms in hopes of scoring a seat. But there's a risk: scams are all too common. This week’s chart breaks down the dangers of ticket fraud. Don’t let a scammer headline your night.

Key insights

• The most common platform for concert ticket fraud is fraudulent websites, which account for 38% of cases reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Social media platforms are also frequently used, with Facebook representing 28% of cases. Other platforms where users encounter ticket scams include X (formerly Twitter) at 12%, Craigslist at 9%, Instagram at 8%, and TikTok at 3%. Additional cases are reported on platforms such as eBay, WhatsApp, Discord, and Reddit, though these together account for only 3% of the total reported cases.
• In 2025, the average financial loss from concert ticket scams reported to the BBB was $303, compared to $606 in 2024. From 2020 to 2025, the overall average loss was $672. These findings from the BBB are consistent with data from the UK. In 2024, the UK received 3,700 complaints related to ticket fraud, with a total reported loss of £1.6 million, resulting in an average loss of £432 per victim¹. In comparison, the BBB received 48 complaints. This relatively small number of complaints in the US and Canada likely reflects substantial underreporting to the BBB, rather than a lower number of scams compared to the UK.
• Social platforms are a major vector for ticket scams. Victims often see posts in groups, direct messages, or comments from accounts claiming to have tickets for sale, typically for high-profile or sold-out shows. Scammers also buy ads or manipulate search results so that their fake ticket sites appear at the top. These websites mimic the look and feel of legitimate ticket sellers (e.g., Ticketmaster), but all sales are either fake or vastly overpriced.
• Another common tactic involves fake customer support numbers. Victims searching for ‘’Ticketmaster support’’ may unknowingly call scammers, who then guide them through fraudulent payment processes. Merchandise scams are also frequent. In some cases, victims buy “concert merchandise” that never arrives, often from fake sites with names similar to the artist or tour.
• You can protect yourself from concert ticket scams by purchasing tickets only from official or authorized sellers and staying cautious when you see offers on social media or unfamiliar websites. Always check that the website is authentic before entering any payment information, and use credit cards or secure payment platforms that provide buyer protection. Avoid sending money through Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or gift cards, since these payment methods offer little recourse if you are scammed. Be on guard for high-pressure tactics, requests for extra fees, and deals that seem too good to be true. Always look for reviews and reach out to official customer support directly on verified websites. Do not rely on phone numbers or links from ads or unverified emails. Trust your instincts — if something feels suspicious, it probably is.

Methodology and sources

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a private, non-profit organization that promotes honesty, fairness, and ethical business practices in the marketplace. It serves the United States and Canada by providing free, unbiased information on more than 5.5 million businesses to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Data from the UK is sourced directly from the official government website.

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