This guide is intended for those in the United States or Canada who are buying concert tickets from third-party sellers on platforms like Discord, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Reddit. It does not include secondary platforms such as SeatGeek or StubHub, nor primary markets like Ticketmaster’s general sale.
If you are planning to buy tickets, spending five minutes reading this guide could save you hundreds of dollars. Scammers are evolving rapidly, and staying one step ahead is essential.
Of course, using the official tour agency’s links will get you the best results but we know that sometimes things come up and buying second-hand or third-party is the cheaper option or may just the best last-minute scenario.
How to Identify a Scammer
Many people turn to third-party sellers for cheaper prices or better seats. Here are red flags to watch out for:
If the Seller Contacts You First
If the seller reaches out to you first, there’s a higher likelihood they could be a scammer. While not always unsafe, it is usually better if buyers initiate contact with potential sellers.
Account Credibility
Check if the seller’s account is credible.
Accounts less than a year old are more likely to be fraudulent.
Look for account history, including posts and comments. Accounts with more interactions and a selling history are generally more trustworthy.
Ticket Proof
Ask the seller for proof of the tickets.
Simply receiving a screen recording is no longer viable, as scammers now use fake ticketing apps.
Viable proof options include:
Meeting the seller in person.
A video call where the seller shows the Ticketmaster website and a transaction record proving they purchased the tickets.
Ticket Availability
Verify the tickets’ availability by checking if the same tickets are being sold on secondary or primary markets.
Seller Verification
Obtain the seller’s valid phone number and call them to ensure it’s real. Scammers often use fake numbers.
Request a video call where the seller provides a valid ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or school/work ID) and compare it to their face.
If the seller refuses to show their face, consider it suspicious.
Pricing Logic
Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, such as premium seats sold below market price.
Avoid being swayed by sob stories; stay rational and question why the seller hasn’t publicly listed such a great deal.
Payment Methods
Always avoid peer-to-peer payment methods such as Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, or PayPal Friends and Family (F&F). These methods lack consumer protection.
Always use payment methods with buyer protection, such as PayPal Goods and Services (G&S).
If a seller insists on direct payment methods, assume it’s a scam.
Grammar and Content
Poor grammar or odd content (e.g., mentioning cryptocurrency) can be a sign of a scammer. Be vigilant.
I Got Scammed — Now What?
If you’ve been scammed, I’m truly sorry. Here are the steps to attempt to recover your money:
Evaluate the Loss
If the amount lost is less than $300, it may not be worth pursuing legal action. Consider it an expensive lesson.
If You Used a Consumer-Protected Payment Method
Gather all necessary proof (e.g., screenshots of conversations, payment records, and proof of fraud).
Immediately open a dispute with the payment platform (e.g., PayPal G&S).
If You Used Peer-to-Peer Payment
Collect all evidence.
Contact your bank or payment service (e.g., Zelle) as soon as possible to see if they can reverse the transaction.
File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and include all supporting evidence.
Report the scam to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to build your case.
Small Claims Court
If all other efforts fail, consider small claims court to request a refund.
Prepare a detailed report with all evidence, including communications, payment proof, and reports filed with CFPB or IC3.
If you prevail in court, you may be able to recover your funds.
How to Sell Your K-pop Concert Tickets
While we’re already talking about avoiding scams when buying second-hand tickets, it’s just as important to know the safest ways to sell your tickets, too. The quickest and most reliable option is to use established resale marketplaces like StubHub, SeatGeek, or Ticketmaster’s verified resale system. These platforms handle payment protection, ticket transfers, and buyer verification for you.
If third-party apps or resale markets aren’t your thing, you can also sell directly to other fans using a ticket-transfer method. This keeps everything simple and community-based when done safely. Here’s how:
Create a clear post or story explaining that you’re selling your tickets. Include the date, city, section/row/seat, price, and whether the ticket is transferable on the platform it was purchased from. Avoid sharing the barcode or order number.
Reach out to your local network. Contact nearby fans, K-pop shops, vendors, or community groups you’re connected with. Many of them are happy to share your post or help spread the word to people who are actively looking.
Let buyers approach you first. This cuts down on bots and suspicious accounts. Once someone messages you, check their profile to make sure they look legitimate, and keep communication in one place so you can track everything. Make sure you’re prepared and willing to verify your identity and proof of tickets.
Use a secure transfer method. Only transfer the ticket through the official platform where you originally purchased it (like Ticketmaster or AXS). Never screenshot or send a PDF unless that platform specifically issues them.
Protect yourself with safe payment options. Use payment methods with buyer/seller protection, like PayPal Goods & Services. Avoid risky options like CashApp, Zelle, or Venmo unless you fully trust the person.
Keep records. Screenshot your conversations, payment confirmations, and the platform’s transfer receipts. It’s an easy way to protect yourself in case anything unusual happens.
Proofs Highlight. This is an optional step. If you’re using platforms like Instagram to buy-sell-trade, you can use your screenshots and ask the buyer to do the same and tag you, then add these photos to your social media highlights under the title of “proofs” (exclude any personal information, of course). This is common in the K-pop community. In case you buy-sell-trade again, there is proof of your past interactions being successful and credible.
Selling tickets can be simple and stress-free as long as you follow secure practices. Whether you go through a verified resale site or directly through the local fan community, prioritize safety and clarity every step of the way.