What are the warning signs of a fake event ticket scam?

Watch for: Tickets to sold-out events at suspiciously normal prices; Seller has a new profile with few friends; Insists on PayID / bank transfer only; Sends a PDF or screenshot instead of an official transfer.

How can I tell if this is a scam?

Stop and verify independently. Contact the organisation using details you look up yourself, never the ones in the message, and don't act on urgency. You can also paste the message into the ScamShield AI scam checker for a risk assessment — it gives guidance, not a guarantee.

What should I do if I clicked the link or replied?

Stop all contact, change the password on any account you logged into and turn on two-factor authentication, and watch your accounts for changes you didn't make. Only buy from official resale (Ticketek, Ticketmaster) or verified fan exchanges. Pay with PayPal Goods & Services or a credit card for chargeback rights. Report scams to the platform and to Scamwatch.

What should I do if I already sent money?

Contact your bank immediately and ask about stopping or recalling the payment, keep all evidence, then report the scam. Be wary of anyone who later offers to recover your money for a fee.

Where should Australians report this scam?

Report scams to Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre), report cybercrime to ReportCyber, forward scam texts to 7726, and contact IDCARE if identity details were exposed. Contact your bank first if money is involved.

All scams

🎫

Fake event ticket scam

Sold-out concert and sports tickets that don't exist.

Student

How it works

On Facebook groups, Gumtree or X, someone offers Taylor Swift / AFL Grand Final tickets at a small premium. They send a screenshot of a 'ticket', take payment by PayID, then block you.

Common scenarios to watch for

This scam shows up in several different shapes. Recognise the pattern, not just one message.

Reporting locationHotlines on the printed checklist will match this location.

Facebook resale group

A new-looking profile sells sold-out tickets via PayID and sends a screenshot 'ticket'.

"2x Taylor Swift Eras Sydney, A reserve, $450 each. PayID only, PDF after payment."

Red flags to spot

Is the seller using a new or blank social media profile?
Are they demanding PayID or wire transfer before sending tickets?
Did they send a screenshot rather than a verifiable ticket transfer?
Is the price suspiciously low or high for the event?

Fake Ticketek transfer email

You receive a 'ticket transfer' notification with a link to claim. The login page captures your Ticketek credentials.

"You've received 2 tickets from Sarah. Click to claim within 24h: ticketek-transfer.au"

Red flags to spot

Does the link not match ticketek.com.au or the official domain?
Is the page asking for your Ticketek password and 2FA code?
Are you being rushed with a 24-hour claim deadline?
Can you check for the transfer directly in your Ticketek account?

Festival 'last-minute upgrade'

A 'staff member' DMs you on Instagram offering VIP wristband upgrades for $200 cash via PayID.

"Hi, I work at the festival — we have spare VIP wristbands, $200 each. PayID now to lock in."

Red flags to spot

Is a random person on social media claiming to be festival staff?
Are they asking for payment outside official ticketing channels?
Can you verify their employment with the festival organisers?
Is the offer only available through immediate PayID transfer?

Red flags

🚩Tickets to sold-out events at suspiciously normal prices
🚩Seller has a new profile with few friends
🚩Insists on PayID / bank transfer only
🚩Sends a PDF or screenshot instead of an official transfer

What to do

1Only buy from official resale (Ticketek, Ticketmaster) or verified fan exchanges.
2Pay with PayPal Goods & Services or a credit card for chargeback rights.
3Report scams to the platform and to Scamwatch.

Who's targeted

Fans of sold-out concerts, festivals and major sports events.
Last-minute buyers shopping in Facebook groups.

Why it works

Sold-out FOMO + payment by instant transfer creates a perfect mark.
Screenshots and PDFs of 'tickets' look real but are easily faked.

Common variations

Different shapes of the same scam — recognise the pattern.

1PDF e-ticket sent after PayID payment.
2Group-chat seller with a new profile and few friends.
3Hacked Ticketmaster account 'transfer' that's reversed later.

If you've already been scammed

1Try a PayPal / card chargeback if you used those rails.
2Report the seller to the platform and to Scamwatch.
3Warn your fan community — these scams cluster around tour dates.

Frequently asked

Is Tixel / Twickets safe?▾

Generally yes — they verify tickets and hold payment until handover.

Can two tickets share a barcode?▾

Only the first scan works — scammers sell the same barcode to many buyers.

Should I use PayID?▾

Avoid for strangers — there's no chargeback. Use credit card or escrow.

Questions people ask about this scam

How does the fake event ticket scam work?: On Facebook groups, Gumtree or X, someone offers Taylor Swift / AFL Grand Final tickets at a small premium. They send a screenshot of a 'ticket', take payment by PayID, then block you.
What are the warning signs of a fake event ticket scam?: Watch for: Tickets to sold-out events at suspiciously normal prices; Seller has a new profile with few friends; Insists on PayID / bank transfer only; Sends a PDF or screenshot instead of an official transfer.
How can I tell if this is a scam?: Stop and verify independently. Contact the organisation using details you look up yourself, never the ones in the message, and don't act on urgency. You can also paste the message into the ScamShield AI scam checker for a risk assessment — it gives guidance, not a guarantee.
What should I do if I clicked the link or replied?: Stop all contact, change the password on any account you logged into and turn on two-factor authentication, and watch your accounts for changes you didn't make. Only buy from official resale (Ticketek, Ticketmaster) or verified fan exchanges. Pay with PayPal Goods & Services or a credit card for chargeback rights. Report scams to the platform and to Scamwatch.
What should I do if I already sent money?: Contact your bank immediately and ask about stopping or recalling the payment, keep all evidence, then report the scam. Be wary of anyone who later offers to recover your money for a fee.
Where should Australians report this scam?: Report scams to Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre), report cybercrime to ReportCyber, forward scam texts to 7726, and contact IDCARE if identity details were exposed. Contact your bank first if money is involved.

General scam awareness information. ScamShield AI cannot guarantee that every scam will be detected or that a message is legitimate.

Check a message like this Report & next steps