Concert / Event Ticket Resale Fraud
Someone sells tickets to a sold-out event that are fake, duplicated, or never delivered — often paid by irreversible app.
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What this scam is
For a hot or sold-out event, a 'seller' offers tickets on social media or a marketplace and asks for payment by an app that offers no buyer protection. You receive nothing, a screenshot of tickets that were also sold to others, or a barcode that does not scan at the door. The scarcity of the event drives fast, emotional decisions. Buying from unofficial sellers with irreversible payment is the risk.
What it usually looks like
- Tickets to a sold-out show at a suspiciously good price.
- A seller you found via DM or a marketplace post.
- Payment demanded by Zelle/Venmo/Cash App only.
- Tickets sent as a screenshot or a barcode image.
Common warning signs
- Payment only by irreversible apps.
- Sellers with new or unverifiable profiles.
- Pressure because the event is 'almost here.'
- Tickets delivered as photos rather than official transfers.
Example wording scammers use
“I have 2 tickets to the sold-out show — $200 each via Cash App, first come first served.”
“Here's a screenshot of the tickets, send payment and I'll transfer them.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Irreversible payment for fake tickets.
- To sell the same 'tickets' to many buyers.
- To exploit event urgency.
What to do
- Buy from official ticket platforms with buyer protection.
- Avoid irreversible-app payments to unknown sellers.
- Insist on an official ticket transfer, not a screenshot.
- Be wary of sold-out-event bargains.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact the payment app to try to reverse it.
- Report the seller to the platform.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.