ALBANY, NY (October 9, 2025) — The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection issued a warning Thursday, alerting consumers to the rising threat of event ticket scams and unfair pricing practices. The advisory follows a Federal Trade Commission complaint against Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment, alleging illegal ticket resale tactics and deceptive pricing that misled artists and consumers about ticket prices and limits.
With football season in full swing and excitement for live events at a peak, scammers are increasingly targeting fans eager to attend concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events.
“As football season kicks into high gear and fans’ excitement is at an all-time high, so is the risk of scams,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “I urge all New Yorkers to follow the Division of Consumer Protection’s tips when buying tickets to see their favorite team, artist, comedian, or any live event, so scammers don’t steal your chance to enjoy the experiences you look forward to most.”
The Division of Consumer Protection outlined several steps to help consumers avoid falling victim to ticket scams. It recommends purchasing tickets from official sources, such as venue websites, and carefully verifying the legitimacy of the website by checking the URL, contact information, and privacy policy. Scammers often create fake websites mimicking legitimate ones, using similar but slightly altered URLs.
Consumers should also be cautious of fake tickets promoted on social media, fake websites, or online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram. Scammers may provide convincing screenshots, barcodes, or confirmation emails to deceive buyers. The Division advises buying resold tickets only through official platforms with built-in systems for secure ticket transfers and payments.
To verify sellers, consumers should research their reputation, check for reviews, and confirm the seller’s physical address and phone number. The National Association of Ticket Brokers’ website, VerifiedTicketSource.com, can help confirm if a seller is a member guaranteeing legitimate tickets. Buyers should also ensure ticket details, such as event name, date, and time, match official event information.
The Division warns against deals that seem too good to be true, as low prices may mask hidden fees or fraudulent offers. Consumers are urged to pay attention to added fees and avoid rushed purchases. Paying with a credit card is recommended, as it offers more protection than debit cards, payment apps, or untraceable methods like gift cards or cash, which scammers often prefer.
For digital tickets accessed through apps, the Division advises using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication to prevent hackers from stealing tickets.
Consumers unable to resolve disputes with businesses can contact the New York State Division of Consumer Protection for voluntary mediation through the Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220, available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. Complaints can be filed anytime at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division also shares tips on social media platforms, including X at @NYSConsumer, and offers consumer alerts via email or phone.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.