I saw a news story about people getting scammed using Craigslist to buy tickets.
Here is a simple tip: If you are planning to buy tickets to a sporting event or concert through Craigslist, use common sense.
Bad people love to take advantage of popular things. Bad people love to scam good people looking for a bargain.
If you are looking for tickets to an event that is expensive and/or hard to get into and you see a deal on Craigslist that seems too good to be true, it is probably a scam. (Especially if the person selling the tickets is “out of town”)
Do not send money through Paypal in exchange for tickets. Do not send money through Western Union (ever). If you are going to buy tickets from someone through Craigslist, make sure you speak to the person on the phone and make sure you meet them in person for the exchange.
Do not agree to send money to someone on Craigslist if they say they will ship the tickets to you. It is very easy to make up tracking numbers and blame it on the delivery service (UPS, FedEx, USPS). Cash in person is the best way to go.
Keep these simple steps in mind:
1. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
2. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t go along with it.
If everyone (including ticket brokers) in your area is asking $150/ea. for a ticket to a popular event and you see an ad asking only $80/ea. for the same seats, be very cautious. It is probably a scam!
Also, be sure to check out my How to Sell on Craigslist.
Other Helpful Resources
More Info About Buying Tickets After Covid: STILL USE COMMON SENSE
Craigslist is a popular online platform that allows individuals to post classified ads for various items, including event tickets. However, buying tickets on Craigslist can be risky as there is no guarantee that the tickets are legitimate or that the seller is trustworthy.
To minimize the risks associated with buying tickets on Craigslist, the website offers several tips. Here are some of the main points:
- Do Your Research: Before buying tickets on Craigslist, do some research on the event and the tickets. Check the official website for the event to see what the ticket prices are and what the ticketing policies are. This will help you identify any red flags in the Craigslist listing.
- Meet in Person: Always meet the seller in person to purchase the tickets. This allows you to inspect the tickets and verify that they are legitimate. It also helps you to gauge the seller’s credibility and trustworthiness.
- Inspect the Tickets: When you meet the seller, inspect the tickets carefully. Look for any signs of tampering, such as altered barcodes or incorrect seating information. If the tickets look suspicious, do not buy them.
- Pay with Cash If Possible: Always pay with cash when buying tickets on Craigslist. Do not use wire transfers, cashier’s checks, or other payment methods that cannot be easily traced or reversed.
- Use Caution with E-Tickets: Be especially cautious when buying e-tickets on Craigslist. These are tickets that are sent electronically, and there is no physical ticket to inspect. Make sure the seller sends the e-tickets through a reputable ticketing platform, and confirm that the tickets are valid before paying.
Overall, buying tickets on Craigslist can be a risky proposition, but with some caution and due diligence, you can minimize the risks and enjoy a safe and successful transaction.
Nick is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in successfully selling products online across various platforms. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, he has honed his skills and has become an expert in the field of online sales.