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BBB Scam Alert: Fake Events & Phony Tickets

BBB Scam Alert: Fake Events & Phony Tickets

How the scam works

You see a fantastic deal on tickets to a summer festival in your area, usually through a link on social media. The event promises live music, all-you-can-eat meals, craft beer or wine, or other fun activities.

When you click the social media link, it takes you to a professional website with fantastic pictures. You enter your credit card information to buy tickets and think you are all set. But before you buy, do a little research. Whether the event is non-existent, merely disappointing, or you just bought phony tickets, the result is the same: someone pockets your hard-earned money!

BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports from people who purchased fake tickets to actual events or events that have yet to materialize.

A customer in Memphis reported buying tickets for $82.50 to a “Bubble Run” in June 2022 that never happened: “Facebook event page advertised the Bubble run as a free event. I purchased 4 ‘entries’ with glasses and tutus and they charged my debit card. They then cancelled the event refuse to respond to emails. They are still advertising on Facebook like the event is happening.”

One consumer who purchased tickets to a fake beer crawl reported: “Reviews across multiple platforms make it clear that these events are at best extremely misleading or at worst canceled. No refunds are given, even when their inconsistent and mostly-unreachable customer service email address responds to confirm a refund will be provided.”

How to spot a fake festival

  • Research before you buy. 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. There is no way a festival can offer tickets at extremely low prices without losing money. If the prices are much lower than elsewhere, it’s likely a scam.

What can you do?

  • Pay with a credit card. You can dispute the charges if the business doesn’t come through. 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 security) and have a 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

Read BBB’s tips for buying tickets to an event. For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams.

For more advice, read BBB’s tips on online shopping. If you’ve spotted an event scam, report it to BBB ScamTracker. Subscribe to BBB Scam Alerts for weekly updates about new scams.

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Cheri represented us on the purchase and close of our home to an area we were new to. She was very knowledgable and helped us to get settled along the way. Pleasure to work with! Very well respected in her field of work.~ Koena T.
Coastline Properties is a very qualified Real Estate Agency in Corpus Christi, TX. They have great knowledge of the market, are proficient and very personable. I Have recommended several clients to them with like results.~ John L. Sullivan
Recently I asked my 10 closest friends who they would vote for as North Padre Island''s top Realtor; emphatically every single one of them came back and said "Cheri Sperling." This is why I trust Coastline Properties for all my real estate transactions.~ Alex K.
Absolute Best Corpus Christi Realtor!! Cheri Sperling from Coastline Properties came to our rescue, and we finalized the deal that closed on 04/09/12. Her impeccable communication skills helped us to truly create a win/win transaction. Her patience, commitment to people’s feelings and knowledge of Real Estate Law make her an outstanding Realtor. After dealing with a horrible Commercial Realtor trying to sell our business building that just wasn't going anywhere. We called Cheri, today I feel so blessed with the deal that she helped us negotiate. Thank You for everything Cheri....you are THE BEST!~ Astoria Properties, LLC
It is with our utmost privilege we endorse Coastline Properties! We have known Cheri Sperling for at least 15+ years. As a real estate professional and dear mutual friend! Thanks to Cheri we have been avoided many costly mistakes, in connection with the various houses she has shown us over the years. Her expertise and valuable advice, has prevented us numerous unnecessary expenses that could have had traumatic lasting affects!~ William & Norma Twijnstra
In the 37 years that I have lived in Corpus Christi, I have been involved in the purchase or sale of Real Estate 16 times. In the last three, my wife and I have been represented by Cheri Sperling of Coastline Properties. I highly recommend Cheri Sperling and feel she is the finest realtor I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. She is knowledgeable, honest, energetic and dependable. Not only does Cheri know all of the ins and outs of the local real estate market and the applicable rules and regulations, she is willing to always go the extra mile to make the deal work and take the burden off of her client in the process. If I ever find myself in another real estate transaction in the future, I will make every effort to have Cheri Sperling represent me.~ Michael O’Reilly, P.C.
Cheri, Thank You for visiting with me this morning. I learn much from you. It is always so pleasant to walk into Coastline as I am always warmly greeted, the office is very inviting and full of helpful information for your clients. I am grateful for you putting 14318 Caribe Dr. on your calendar for October 9. I am excited about you and the agents seeing every nook and cranny that this amazing home has to offer.Have a great weekend..~ Mary Melick Real Estate
Cheri, We will always have fond memories of our time in Corpus Christi and our relocation experience because of you. You have done an outstanding job not only in buying and selling our house but throughout the entire relocation process creating a seamless transition. If we ever return to the Corpus Christi area, we know who to call. Thank you so much!~ Ken, Padre Islander
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