TIPS ON FRAUD PROTECTION

1. Examine the ticket surface.

A true Ticketmaster ticket has thin lamination that catches the light, something most fakes do not have.

2. Hold the ticket up in front of a strong light or even sunlight.

The white Ticketmaster ticket should glow blue with holographic markings. Also, real Ticketmaster stock has a blue color when you tear it. Fake ones are just white like normal paper.

3. Look at the back of the ticket.

Does it have promotional information? If it is blank, the ticket is fake.

4. Check the ticket’s general information to see if it’s accurate.

Check the performer, date and time to see if they all line up correctly.

5. Search for grammar mistakes and discrepancies in the text.

Spaces and forbidden commands in website addresses may indicate a counterfeit ticket.

6.. Check for signs of low quality printing.

Smudges in the ink, fuzzy letters and low saturation of bright colors are indications that the ticket may have been reproduced on a copy machine. Details such as fine lines and watermarks are often missing from fake tickets. Bar codes may also be missing. Scammers often leave this item off the ticket because it is difficult to reproduce without sophisticated printing equipment.

7. Compare the ticket to an old Ticketmaster stub.

Note changes in detail, such as a different font or strange type styles. You may even notice a random typo. These are warning signs that this ticket is a forgery.

8. Ask the seller to accompany you to the entrance of the venue

if possible so you can have the ticket verified by staff. They are trained to spot a counterfeit ticket and will be able to ascertain its authenticity immediately.

9. Is someone trying to sell you a backstage pass?

This pass is definitely a FAKE. Many scalpers will try to sell fake access passes to events and will rip you off. Don’t buy these!

10. Parking lot scalpers during the event

Although some people may have a legitimate extra ticket to sell you, MOST scalpers are only there to sell counterfeit tickets to desperate party goers. Don’t buy from them and alert security that somebody may be selling counterfeit tickets.

11. Print-at-home tickets

These tickets are more likely to be forged than hard copy tickets. Unless you’re buying from somebody you know and trust, we don’t recommend it. Better to be safe than sorry!

12. Your best method in avoiding buying a counterfeit ticket

is ONLY buying from an authorized outlet either online or in stores. Remember, even with all these tips people STILL find loop holes to make fake tickets. Always be cautious when buying from an unauthorized source!