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Governments are gradually easing lockdowns around the globe. Lives are getting back to normal as well. As the world unwinds and people crawl out of their holes, social gatherings will resume in full.

The excitement of getting to meet people and watch stars perform has never been this curbed. When organizers send gates ajar, restrictions will recoil at the sight of people.

In the coming excitement, there will be diverse opportunities to take advantage of people. One such medium that people are sure to utilize is the ticket business.

Each year, security agencies receive and apprehend many fake ticket sales. That would count for little when adding those that they did not receive reports for or seize.

What fake tickets are about

Fake tickets represent a significant amount of event tickets that are ever sold. They come in different forms.

Some fake vendors claim to sell them online. When patronized, they use unconventional means of receiving payment. They are also quick and offer prices that are too good to be true.

When these tickets are bought, it turns out that they are not delivered to the buyers. Sometimes, however, the buyers receive the tickets but only realize that they are fake when they get to the venue and receive the shock that they cannot enter.

Statistics of the fake tickets industry

The business of selling and buying fake tickets has been around for a while. Cases of counterfeit tickets sales are on the rise as much as there are events that give them a chance.

Fake tickets cost Australians about $380,000 in 2018 alone, according to the ACCC. This figure is higher than the previous records and seems likely to rise (except for the COVID-19 restrictions of 2020).

In the US, about 12% of tickets bought in the year turn out to be fake. This figure accounts for about 20 million people. The statistics are reportedly increasing geometrically from about 3% to 15% between 2016 and 2019.

With these figures and more persons going into the business, there are little chances of a reduction.

How to spot and avoid fake tickets

Fake ticket sales follow a similar pattern. Though there are many innovations every second, you would be able to identify them with some general rules. Find some below.

  • Do some background checks. Fake ticket sellers are ready to go any lengths to cover their tracks. This is why it is essential to research their background.

Some agents would create entirely new websites with real-sounding names. Trading Standards reported that before the London Olympics alone, over 4,000 fake websites sprung up to sell counterfeit tickets.

Similarly, some would go scouting through social media platforms and fan forums to identify vulnerable targets that they can cheat.

Since this is the case, it is best to know the person you are dealing with. Check their profile and portfolio, their history (do not do business if they are newbies).

A thorough background check will save you the trouble of falling into the wrong hands.

  • Be careful with timing. Over 50% of fake tickets fall into the hands of persons who bought too early or too late. Fake merchants take advantage of these vulnerable persons.

When tickets are offered for sale before the original tickets are announced, you need to be careful.

Worse still, when tickets are put up for sale or resale after the actual tickets are exhausted, there is a great need to express caution. This is a widespread opportunity.

When it turns out that the actual tickets are exhausted, die-hard fans get desperate for tickets. They go about announcing on various forums how important it is for them to gain access. If they happen to the incident on someone who is offering tickets, they will accept them with great excitement, regardless of the risks and costs.

To be free of such incidents, it is best to trade with authorized sellers and partners. The original sales website would usually list other authorized websites and vendors from which valid purchases can be made.

  • Buy with a credit card. As a safety measure, it is best to buy with a credit card. This is possible when making purchases that are $100 and above.

Credit card companies offer some insurance over transactions that go foul. You can be sure to have them refund your money in that case.

  • Work with official vendors. Over 50% of fake ticket sales victims are persons who do not make an effort to research and buy from the authorized vendors. This is not difficult to get.

Most sites announce their authorized sellers as they reveal their events. This measure would enable buyers to identify the vendors from which they can buy. Furthermore, any issue arising in the process can be sorted without much difficulty.

  • Use authorized exchange websites. If you fall short of time and need to get the ticket at all costs, a trusted exchange website is what you would need.

Sites like Viagogo allows ticket owners to resell their tickets too late buyers. This comes to the buyers at an additional 15% cost. Though expensive, it is worth more than falling into the hands of frauds.

  • Be inquisitive. Desperate people tend to lose the art of being curious. They only regain it after all is lost. Do not fall for it.

Whenever you find yourself bargaining with strange sellers or are new to the system, become overly interested. It will not hurt you. It is better than losing your money.

Ask questions. Make the seller open up on the reasons they are selling at that time. Do not hesitate to go with your guts on what is obtainable. Remember that if you do not take this seriously, you stand the chance of losing it altogether.

  • Meet in person. Do not take this lightly if you are in the same vicinity. Ensure you meet the person physically. Know their office. Be sure about them. This will save you many bucks.

Conclusion

Ticket sales will not end in a while. Moreover, the internet has made it all much more comfortable. However, the internet has made swindles much easier too. It is, therefore, vital that you become double sure before you make that purchase. If you have received a ticket and have lost an appeal, contact one of our small claims court solicitors today without delay to claim back a refund.