By Stella Marcantel

Within the past few years, online ticket scammers have become an increasingly prevalent issue. Regarding inflated ticket prices, counterfeit tickets, and multiple copies of the same ticket being distributed, here are some ways to be an expert ticket buyer.

• Be aware that third-party ticket vendors can sell the same ticket to more than one person, making both tickets invalid.

• Understand that third-party ticket websites such as SeatGeek, StubHub, and Ticketmaster can sell tickets at a much higher cost than face value.

• Stay alert while on the internet. Scam Websites can appear very similar to a venue’s legit website and may appear at the top of your search as a sponsored website, so always check the URL.

• Do not use untraceable forms of payment such as Venmo, PayPal, or gift cards when possible.

• Many times you will not know the validity of a ticket until arriving to the venue.

Vermont’s event vendors have cautioned consumers about fake ticket sales by encouraging consumers to check the latest information with the event vendor before purchasing tickets. The best way to avoid ticket scams is by purchasing tickets directly through the venue you plan to attend.

Contact the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program by calling 1-800-649-2424, or by going to our website at ago.vermont.gov/cap to file a complaint if you have encountered fraudulent ticket sales.