Looking for a fun festival this summer? The Better Business Bureau reports that scammers are seeking to cash in on your entertainment dollars with phony tickets—and even fake events.

How It Works

You see a fantastic deal on tickets to a summer festival in your area, usually through a link on social media. The social media link takes you to a professional website with amazing promises and fantastic pictures. Everything looks great so it’s time to purchase. But before you buy, do a little research. 

How to Spot a Fake Festival

Check the name. Search online for the festival’s name and ensure the name advertised matches the website. Scammers often use names that sound similar to those of real festivals.

Check for (working) contact information. Be sure the festival website has a real phone number and email address.  

   Watch out for prices that sound too good to be true. If the prices are much lower than elsewhere, it’s likely a scam.

What Can You Do?

Pay with a credit card. Be wary of online sellers that don’t accept credit cards. 

   Look for secure sites. The website should begin with HTTPS (the extra “s” is for secure) and have a little lock symbol on the address bar.

   Avoid tickets sold on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other free online listings. Scammers are skilled at providing realistic tickets and fake receipts. Check out third-party ticket sites at BBB.org before making purchases.

For more information, see BBB.org/article/scams/20661-big-festivals-and-seasonal-events-fabulous-fizzled-or-fake.