Introduction
Online ticketing via the Internet has revolutionized the way people buy tickets for cultural, sporting or entertainment events, such as UEFA finals or concerts by famous singers, thanks to technology and the rise of cell phones. This evolution has facilitated access to every ticket for shows in France and around the world, without the need to travel to a venue or stadium.
However, this evolution in technology has not put an end to scams, rip-offs and the black market; on the contrary, "ticket fraud" is creating chaos in the ticketing industry. Fraudsters take advantage of the ease of communication offered by the phone call system, SMS, phone number and e-mail address to deceive buyers and sell them fraudulent tickets, such as fake QR codes for mobile applications.
In this article, we'll be giving you some tips on how to avoid this scourge, with particular reference to blockchain, and buy your tickets in complete safety, covering the key points of being vigilant when using your cell phone and e-mail address, as well as being aware of the risks associated with buying tickets over the Internet.
Different types of fraud
Counterfeit bills
One of the most common scams is the sale of counterfeit tickets. Scammers can create fake tickets that look like official tickets, but are not valid for the event.
For example, during major events such as the Ed Sheeran concert at the Stade de France or Champions League matches, demand is very high, so fake tickets and ticket resales proliferate on the black market.
Online scams
Fraudulent websites
These sites can offer fake tickets for popular events, such as a show, concert or the final of soccer matches, like Liverpool or Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Stade de France, at attractive prices.
But once payment has been made, the tickets are never sent out, as the QR code or barcode is invalid. Faced with this system, France's Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, has already warned consumers against the illegal resale of tickets.
Scams on social networks
Scammers can also use an application among the social networks to sell fraudulent tickets.
They create profiles and pages dedicated to selling tickets for popular events, such as concerts or sports competitions, and once payment has been made, they disappear without sending the tickets.
This technique is all the more effective as social networks offer a fast and direct communication system between buyers and sellers, making scams easier.
How to spot scams
Check site reliability
Before buying tickets online for shows, sporting events or clubs, it's essential to check the reliability of the site.
Make sure it's an official site or a recognized reseller. You can check the site's legal notices and contact details to make sure it's legitimate. The general manager of a festival or the English singer Ed Sheeran, for example, might recommend the official site for the purchase of a ticket for their concert in France or elsewhere.
Beware of low prices
If you find a ticket at a much lower price than the one on the official site, chances are it's a scam. Scammers often lure buyers with very low prices to entice them to buy quickly.
This scourge affects every concert and sporting event.
Before making a call to buy a concert ticket at an overly attractive price, it's important to remain vigilant - it could be a scam.
Check the conditions of sale
Carefully read the conditions of sale of the website where you wish to buy your tickets. Make sure that refund and exchange terms and conditions are clear and transparent.
Didier Lallement, Prefect of Police, stressed the importance of this check to combat scams when buying tickets for concerts, festivals or sporting events.
Tips for buying tickets safely and securely
Buying from official ticket offices
Buying tickets from official ticket offices is the best way to avoid scams.
These ticket offices are generally affiliated with the show organizers and guarantee the authenticity of the ticket in question.
Use secure resale sites
If you need to buy tickets on resale sites, opt for secure, recognized platforms.
These sites have security measures in place to protect everyone involved, and guarantee the validity of the tickets.
Check reviews and testimonials
Consult reviews and testimonials from other buyers before purchasing tickets online.
Feedback can give you an indication of the site's reliability and the quality of each ticket.
What to do in the event of a scam
File a complaint
There isn't just one video of people being scammed, but if you've been the victim of a ticketing scam, it's important to lodge a complaint with the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Sports, or by reporting the problem on a program such as France 2. Your complaint will help combat scams and help other buyers avoid them. The Ministry of Sports and the media, such as the videos shown on France 2, can also help raise public awareness of the dangers of scams.
Contact your bank
In the event of a scam, contact your bank quickly to report the fraud and try to block the transaction or obtain a refund. This is essential to limit the financial consequences of the scam and recover the amount of your fraudulent ticket.
Conclusion
Ticketing scams are a growing problem with the rise of online sales in France, not least because of the proliferation of mobile applications dedicated to ticket purchasing and the easy access to these platforms thanks to targeted advertising.
However, by following the tips and advice mentioned in this article, and paying particular attention to advertising and promotional videos, you can buy every ticket safely and avoid scams.
The fight against fraud also involves the adoption of new technologies, such as blockchain, which makes it possible to secure transactions and guarantee the authenticity of tickets.
In addition, mobile applications available on phones often integrate ticket verification and reading functionalities, minimizing the risk of fiasco at event entrances.
