As the spring and summer seasons approach, Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued guidance for Illinois residents to help them avoid ticket scams as they purchase tickets for tours, festivals, and sporting events. Raoul highlighted the risks associated with buying tickets from third-party vendors or private parties, which can lead to increased fraud and higher costs. He also advised against using payment methods other than credit cards due to their additional protections in case of fraudulent sales.
Raoul emphasized that "the proliferation of smartphones and online marketplaces have fundamentally changed the way many tickets are purchased for concerts, sports, and other entertainment events." While technology has simplified purchasing processes, it also provides opportunities for scammers. He urged vigilance among consumers to prevent falling victim to such scams.
The Attorney General offered several tips to help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing tickets:
- Be cautious of fake or non-secure websites by checking if they begin with "https" and display a lock graphic in the search bar. Verify website authenticity by searching its name along with terms like "scam" or "fake," and consulting the Better Business Bureau.
- Understand who is selling the tickets. Ticket brokers often buy from primary sellers or private parties before reselling them. Check if a broker is affiliated with organizations like the National Association of Ticket Brokers or the Better Business Bureau.
- Be a savvy shopper by ensuring you know whether you're paying face value and that all fees are disclosed upfront. Deals that seem too good might be deceptive.
- Avoid purchasing from unknown private parties on message boards or social media platforms.
- Do not use gift cards, peer-to-peer apps, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency for payments; prefer credit card transactions instead.
- Verify ticket validity by contacting venues before attending an event.
- Thoroughly read any terms attached to ticket sales online regarding delivery timing and method, ensuring guarantees about authenticity are present.
- Exercise caution with buy-now-pay-later plans due to potential impacts on credit scores from missed payments and possibly high interest rates not apparent at checkout.
Attorney General Raoul encourages anyone suspecting they've been scammed to file a complaint through his office's website or call one of their Consumer Fraud Hotlines: 1-800-386-5438 (Chicago), 1-800-243-0618 (Springfield), 1-800-243-0607 (Carbondale), 1-866-310-8398 (Spanish-language hotline).