If you’re a Taylor Swift fan, you already know that snagging tickets to her concerts is no easy task. With millions of fans vying for seats to her Eras Tour shows, demand is through the roof, and many Swifties have found themselves caught in the frenzy of sold-out shows and skyrocketing prices on resale platforms, reaching even $15,000 for a pair of tickets.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has been one of the most anticipated concert events in recent history. Fans have eagerly waited for her return to the stage, and as a result, tickets are being snatched up within minutes, often leaving people empty-handed. Online queues on ticketing platforms can feel endless, with tens of thousands of people ahead of you for a limited number of seats.
Even when tickets do become available, prices can be prohibitively high due to dynamic pricing models or secondary market resales. Many fans turn to third-party websites or social media in the hope of finding a good deal, but this comes with its own set of risks.
When official tickets sell out, it’s tempting to check out third-party sellers like StubHub, SeatGeek, or even social media marketplaces where users claim they have extra tickets to sell. While some of these platforms are legitimate, others are rife with scams. Fake tickets, inflated prices, and non-existent sellers are all real dangers in this market. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re thinking about buying Taylor Swift tickets through unofficial channels:
- Use Verified Resale Platforms: Stick to reputable ticket resale sites like Ticketmaster Verified Fan Resale, which offers protection and verification for buyers. Be wary of smaller, lesser-known sites or deals that seem too good to be true—they often are.
- Avoid Social Media Deals: It’s common to see posts on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter from people claiming to have “extra tickets” for sale. Unless you personally know the seller, it’s best to avoid these types of transactions, as they often lack buyer protections and can easily turn into scams. Nobody real is selling their Taylor Swift tickets on Facebook or Twitter. Nobody.
- Check the Fine Print: Some resellers may offer tickets with hidden fees or inflated prices. Always check the total cost before making a purchase, and if possible, compare prices across multiple platforms to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
- Beware of Phishing Scams: Some scammers will send fake links that look like ticket sites but are actually designed to steal your personal information. Or, they’re selling the same tickets over and over again, showing you a jpeg or pdf file. Make sure you’re only entering sensitive data, like credit card numbers, on secure, official websites.
Buying resale tickets is always a bit of a gamble, but that doesn’t mean you can’t protect yourself. Here’s what you can do:
- Research the Seller: If you’re buying through a resale platform, read reviews, check for seller ratings, and make sure the site has a strong buyer protection policy.
- Pay with a Credit Card: Avoid paying with cash, PayPal, or bank transfers when dealing with third-party sellers. Using a credit card offers you more protection and the ability to dispute charges if something goes wrong.
- Know the Venue’s Policy: Make sure the venue you’re attending accepts mobile or resale tickets and check if the tickets are transferrable.
Getting Taylor Swift tickets may feel like an uphill battle, but don’t let desperation lead you into a trap. The thrill of seeing your favorite artist live is unmatched, but make sure you’re not sacrificing your security or finances in the process. Stick to official platforms, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, and always do your research when buying from a third-party site or seller.
