How to Safely Verify Concert Tickets Sellers on OfferUp

Navigating OfferUp: A Seller Verification Guide for Concert Tickets

Purchasing concert tickets on OfferUp can be exciting, but it's crucial to approach the transaction with caution. Scammers actively target buyers, especially for high-demand items like concert tickets. This guide will help you identify and avoid common scams, ensuring you can secure your tickets safely.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

• ✓ Google Voice Verification Code: Scammers may ask for a code sent to your phone, claiming it's for verification. This is often to set up a Google Voice account in your name to scam others. Never share verification codes.
• ✓ Fake Payment App Screenshot: A scammer might show a fake payment confirmation screen, implying payment has been made. Always verify the funds have actually arrived in your account before releasing the tickets.
• ✓ Shipping Label Outside App: Be wary if a seller insists on handling shipping and payment outside of OfferUp's platform. This bypasses OfferUp's protection and makes it difficult to resolve disputes.
• ✓ The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish: Requests to move the conversation off-platform to text messages are a major red flag. Scammers use this to avoid OfferUp's secure messaging and protections.
• ✓ Empty Box Shipping Fraud: While less common for digital tickets, be aware of scenarios where a physical item is misrepresented. For tickets, this could translate to fake e-tickets or misrepresented access.
• ✓ Non-Existent Item Deposit: Scammers might ask for a deposit for tickets that don't exist or that they don't actually possess. Never pay a deposit for tickets without verifying their authenticity and the seller's legitimacy.
• ✓ Robbery at Unsafe Meetup: If you arrange to meet in person for ticket exchange, always choose a well-lit, public, and safe location. Scammers may try to lure buyers to isolated areas for robbery.

Red Flags to Identify Unreliable Sellers

• ✓ New accounts with no or few reviews.
• ✓ Stock photos or generic images instead of actual photos of the tickets.
• ✓ Prices that are significantly lower than market value.
• ✓ Pressure to act quickly or make a decision before you've had time to verify.
• ✓ Requests to communicate or pay outside the OfferUp app.
• ✓ Vague or evasive answers to your questions about the tickets or seller.
• ✓ Seller claims to be out of town or unable to meet in person, pushing for remote transactions.

How to Verify Sellers and Ensure a Secure Transaction

Prioritize using OfferUp's in-app messaging system for all communication. This creates a record of your conversation. Always check the seller's profile, including their reviews and the length of time they've been on the platform. Be cautious of sellers who push for off-app communication or payment methods like Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards. For high-value transactions, consider using OfferUp's secure payment options.

For significant purchases, such as concert tickets that represent a considerable investment, we highly recommend utilizing Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for identity verification. This adds an extra layer of security, confirming the legitimacy of the seller beyond the OfferUp platform. For lower-value ticket purchases, the Basic Plan can still offer valuable peace of mind.

If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to walk away from a suspicious transaction. Reporting suspicious activity on OfferUp helps protect the entire community.