Music festivals, concerts that sell out in minutes, or sporting events like the football World Cup. Scammers strike when demand soars. The risks range from when you buy tickets to having your phone stolen during the event.
Here we tell you how you can reduce these risks and what to do if something is off.
When tickets aren’t what they seem
Many scams begin with something that appears normal, like an eye-catching ad. You might see it on social media or a ticketing platform, or in an email or message. The price is usually lower than you expect or you’re told it’s an opportunity you can’t afford to let slip by: “last few tickets”, “don’t miss out”, “today only”. These messages want you to act quickly and check little. And that’s exactly the opposite of what you should do.
In some cases, scammers create identical websites to the official ones or send legitimate-looking emails. Or they might sell fake, duplicate or used tickets.
Buying without haste is also part of the plan
Enjoying an event begins a lot sooner than arriving at the venue. How you buy tickets is crucial.
Always use official channels or recognized platforms. If you’re going to open a website, write the address directly in the browser. It’s a lot more secure than clicking on links you receive via email, message or social media.
When an offer appears really good, it’s time to take a moment. Don’t assume something to be reliable just because it looks the part. Compare the price with other websites, research the seller, and read recent reviews. If sales are through social media, check if the profile has real posts and authentic-looking comments.
It’s also vital you bear in mind the payment method. Think twice if the seller insists you send a transfer or asks you to pay somewhere other than the platform. Don’t send money directly to people you don’t know and don’t stray from the official platform to complete payment.
Crowds, distractions, and your phone at risk
Always keep an eye on your phone at crowded events. A bit of carelessness could put not only your device at risk, but also your personal information, social media, emails, and apps. Before leaving the house, lock your phone, activate tracking, and make sure you can block or wipe it remotely if necessary.
Also, it’s handy to know about the security your bank offers you, such as the possibility to freeze your cards on digital channels. For instance, Santander Brasil customers have Bloqueio Imediato (“Instant block”), which enables them to block access to the app securely from any device.
Tips to enjoy events without worry
- If tickets are sold out or the price seems too good to be true, take a minute to check. Don’t let impulse or excitement get the better of you.
- Buy on official or trusted websites and open them by writing the address directly in the browser.
- Never click away from an official platform to pay and don’t send money to people you don’t know.
- Protect your phone by locking your screen and activating tracking and remote data wiping.
