Be Aware of Sporting Event Ticket Scams using P2P Payment

The start of the new sports season is always a time of excitement for fans. But it’s also a time when scammers are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting fans. One of the most common scams is the sale of fake or non-existent sporting event tickets.

Scammers often use peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like Zelle, Venmo or Cash App to make it easier for them to get away with their crimes. These apps are designed for quick and easy payments between friends and family, but they’re also being used by scammers to trick people into sending money for fake tickets.

Here are some red flags to watch out for when buying sporting event tickets online:

• The tickets are significantly cheaper than the face value.
• The seller is unwilling to meet in person to exchange tickets.
• The seller only accepts payment through a P2P app.
• The seller has a suspicious-looking website or social media profile.
• The seller asks for personal information, such as your credit card number or Social Security number.

If you see any of these red flags, it’s best to avoid the seller and look for tickets elsewhere. Here are some tips for buying sporting event tickets safely online:

• Only buy tickets from authorized sellers, such as the venue box office, Ticketmaster, or StubHub.
• Do your research on the seller before you buy tickets. Read reviews and look for social media profiles.
• Be sure to meet the seller in person to exchange tickets. This will give you a chance to inspect the tickets and make sure they’re real.
• Only pay for tickets with a credit card. This will give you more protection if you’re scammed.

If you do end up getting scammed, report it to the authorities and to the P2P payment app that you used. You may also be able to get a refund from your credit card company.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.