Staying Safe Online
Buying event tickets should be simple and safe. Unfortunately, ticket scams are common — from fake listings on social media to unauthorised resale sites charging inflated prices. Here is how to protect yourself.
Safety Checklist
- Buy directly from the official event page or organiser
- Look for secure payment processing (Stripe, not bank transfers)
- Be wary of tickets sold through social media or marketplaces
- Check the refund and transfer policy before buying
- Keep your confirmation email and QR code safe
- Never share your QR code publicly — it is your ticket
Why Direct Is Best
Platforms like Tickts sell tickets directly from the organiser, with unique QR codes that prevent duplication. There are no middlemen, no inflated prices, and no risk of fake tickets. If you buy from a platform that charges zero booking fees, you know the organiser is getting a fair deal too.
Recognising Ticket Scams
Ticket fraud costs UK consumers millions of pounds every year. The most common scams include fake event listings on social media, unauthorised resale at inflated prices, and phishing emails disguised as ticket confirmations. Knowing the warning signs helps you avoid becoming a victim.
Red flags to watch for:
- Tickets sold through Facebook Marketplace, Instagram DMs, or WhatsApp groups from strangers
- Prices significantly above or below face value
- Sellers asking for bank transfers or cryptocurrency instead of card payments
- No refund policy or terms and conditions listed
- Pressure to buy immediately with claims like "last two tickets" from unverified sellers
- Event pages with no organiser details, venue address, or contact information
Safe Buying Checklist
Follow these steps every time you buy tickets online:
- Buy from official sources: Go directly to the event organiser website or their ticketing platform. Tickts event pages always show the verified organiser name and profile.
- Check the URL: Make sure you are on the genuine platform website, not a lookalike. Look for HTTPS in the address bar and the correct domain name.
- Use card payment: Credit and debit cards offer buyer protection through chargeback rights. Never pay by bank transfer for tickets from unknown sellers.
- Keep confirmation emails: Save your order confirmation and ticket emails. These are your proof of purchase if anything goes wrong.
- Verify the venue: Check that the venue listed on the event page is real. A quick search should confirm the venue exists and hosts events.
Your Rights as a Ticket Buyer in the UK
UK consumer law provides several protections for ticket buyers:
- Consumer Rights Act 2015: Tickets must be as described. If the event is significantly different from what was advertised, you are entitled to a refund.
- Consumer Contracts Regulations: For online purchases, you may have a 14-day cooling-off period, though this has exceptions for event tickets with a specific date.
- Chargeback rights: If you pay by card and the event is cancelled or fraudulent, you can request a chargeback through your bank or card provider.
- Section 75 protection: For credit card purchases over £100, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act makes your card provider jointly liable with the seller.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed
If you suspect you have bought fraudulent tickets:
- Contact your bank immediately to report the transaction and request a chargeback
- Report the scam to Action Fraud (the UK national reporting centre) at actionfraud.police.uk
- If you bought through a social media platform, report the seller profile
- Keep all evidence — screenshots of conversations, payment receipts, and the event listing
How Tickts Protects Buyers
Every ticket sold through Tickts includes built-in protections: unique QR codes that cannot be duplicated, Stripe payment processing with full buyer protection, verified organiser profiles, and transparent refund policies set by the organiser. If an event is cancelled, organisers can process refunds directly through the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy tickets from social media?
Buying directly from strangers on social media is risky. Always look for a link to an official ticketing platform. Legitimate organisers will direct you to their event page on a recognised platform like Tickts rather than asking you to transfer money directly.
What if an event is cancelled after I bought tickets?
Under UK consumer law, you are entitled to a full refund if an event is cancelled. On Tickts, organisers can process refunds through the platform, and the money is returned to your original payment method.
Are e-tickets as valid as physical tickets?
Yes. E-tickets with QR codes are now the standard for most events. They are more secure than physical tickets because each code is unique and validated in real-time at the venue entrance.
