Avoiding Ticket Scams: What Every Sports Fan Should Know

28 July 2025

Let’s be honest—scoring tickets to see your favorite team live is one of the biggest thrills as a sports fan. Whether you're cheering from the nosebleeds or sitting courtside, nothing quite compares to the live-game atmosphere: the roar of the crowd, the smell of stadium snacks, and those heart-stopping moments you can’t get from a screen.

But in the middle of all that excitement, there’s a dark side that too many fans fall victim to—ticket scams. Yep, the internet is full of fake vendors, shady resellers, and con artists just waiting to pounce on unsuspecting fans. One wrong click, and you’re out hundreds of dollars with nothing but a sorry email in your inbox.

So, how do you dodge these scams and make sure your game-day plans don’t blow up in your face? Let’s break it down.

Why Ticket Scams Are a Huge Problem

You might think, “This won’t happen to me,” but here’s the thing—ticket scams are more common than people think. According to the Better Business Bureau, thousands of sports fans report counterfeit tickets every year, and many cases go unreported out of sheer embarrassment.

Scammers are smart. They know when the big games are happening. They know who’s playing. They know when the hype is high and tickets are scarce. They use that urgency to strike—fast and hard.

If tickets are sold out on official channels, fans often turn to secondary markets out of desperation, and that’s where scammers dive in like sharks in a feeding frenzy.

Common Sports Ticket Scams (and How They Work)

Let’s go over the most popular scams so you can spot them from a mile away.

1. The “Too Good to Be True” Deal

You’re scrolling, and BOOM—you see floor seats to the Lakers game for half the price. Tempting, right? But that’s exactly how they get you.

Scammers lure you in with prices that seem like a total steal. They count on your excitement to overpower your common sense. After payment, either you get fake tickets or none at all.

Red flag tip: If the price feels more like a fantasy than a sale—walk away.

2. Fake Websites That Look Legit

Some scams are so polished, even tech-savvy folks get duped. These sneaky sites can mimic real ticket platforms perfectly. Same logos. Similar URLs. Even fake customer support.

They’ll accept your money and vanish like a ghost. No tickets. No refund.

Pro tip: Always verify the URL. Look for HTTPS and double-check the domain on Google.

3. Social Media Shenanigans

Scammers love platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and Craigslist. Why? Because it’s easy to fake legitimacy with a few cool posts or a fake profile.

They’ll pretend to be “a season ticket holder who can’t make it” and try to sell you the seats. Often they’ll say something like, “I’ve had lots of interest, so you’ll need to pay ASAP.”

Fast payment = fast regret.

Warning sign: High pressure and urgency are classic scammer tricks.

4. QR Code or Mobile Ticket Frauds

As more tickets go digital, scammers are adapting. Some create fake QR codes or resell the same mobile ticket to multiple people. You won’t know it’s a dud until the gate won’t scan you in—and by then, it’s too late.

Ouch moment: Picture getting ready for kickoff, only to be turned away at the gate in front of everyone.

Spotting a Ticket Scam Before It’s Too Late

Let’s talk defense. You wouldn’t let your team go into a game without a game plan—so don’t go ticket hunting without one either.

Here’s your playbook:

1. Stick to Official Sources

First and foremost, always try to buy directly from the team’s website, the venue box office, or reputable websites like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek (and even these can have risks—more on that below). These platforms have buyer protection and refund options.

If you're buying resale, make sure it's a verified reseller. Look for brands that work directly with teams and venues.

2. Check the Seller’s Reputation

If you're dealing with an individual, ask questions. Lots of them. Ask for proof of purchase. Look up their social media history. Do a reverse image search on their profile photo. If something feels off, it probably is.

Think like a detective: Anyone can create a fake profile, but a scammer will struggle to fake authenticity at scale.

3. Use Secure Payment Methods

Scammers push for Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or bank transfers because there’s little recourse if things go south.

Stick to credit cards or platforms with built-in buyer protection—like PayPal (using "Goods and Services," not the “Friends and Family” option).

4. Be Skeptical of Screenshots

Some sellers send screenshots of tickets to prove they’re real. Don’t fall for it. Screenshots can be stolen or reused. Always ask for personalized details like the name on the original order or invoice.

Remember: If anyone refuses to give basic info—run.

5. Trust Your Gut

We all have that inner voice that whispers, “Something’s not right.” Listen to it.

If your gut is shouting “sketchy,” don’t ignore it. Even if the deal is sweet. Especially if the deal is sweet.

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

Let’s say the worst happens—you get played. First of all, don’t beat yourself up. It happens to smart people all the time.

Here’s what to do:

1. Report It

File a complaint with the following:

- Your bank or credit card company
- The ticket platform (if one was used)
- The Better Business Bureau
- Local law enforcement
- The Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov)

The more reports, the better chance of stopping that scammer in their tracks.

2. Contact the Venue

Sometimes venues offer assistance if you bought from a fake source. They may help you verify tickets—or in rare cases—offer last-minute options to get in (though this isn’t always possible).

3. Warn Others

Leave reviews. Drop a post on social media. Let your friends and followers know what happened, so the scammer doesn’t get to them too.

Think of it as your way of scoring an assist for the rest of the fanbase.

Pro Tips for Safe Sports Ticket Buying

To wrap this up, here are some solid gold tips to help you avoid future heartbreak:

- Bookmark official ticket sites so you’re not Googling and landing somewhere shady.
- Avoid “deals” shared in random comment sections or group chats.
- Call the box office if in doubt. They can verify pricing, availability, or tell you if they work with certain resellers.
- Never pay in crypto, gift cards, or wire transfers. Those methods are basically the Wild West.
- Be wary of sudden price drops. If someone cuts the price too quickly just to close the deal, it’s fishy.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Scammers Ruin Game Day

Being a sports fan is about loyalty, passion, and heart-pounding moments. The last thing you need is for that experience to be hijacked by some scammer hiding behind a fake profile.

Stay smart. Do your homework. Keep your eyes peeled. And remember—if something feels off, it probably is.

Scoring tickets to see your favorite team should be a celebration. Don’t let it turn into a lesson. Share this guide with your fellow fans, because the more we know, the harder it is for scammers to win.

And hey, if you ever do land those killer seats? Soak it in. You earned it—without getting burned.