Festivals, concerts… Fake ticket scams are on the rise

Arms in the air, swaying in rhythm. This summer, it’s the return of concerts and festivals. But beware of disappointment at the entrance to the rooms. Fake tickets are one of the traps of the summer. 5,000 spectators gathered in front of a Parisian hall to see their favorite rock band. Well in hand, their ticket, soon subjected to the ultimate test, the scan, to check their validity. A formality for some. But a few kilometers away, another concert, another atmosphere. Dozens of spectators were plucked. Their idol, Harry Styles, performs in Paris, fans stay at the door, their tickets are invalid.

All bought a place on the black market, either online or in person. The shows are back, the sellers of fake tickets too. Their trick: make very similar tickets, but their barcodes are invalid. The scam even invites itself on ticket resale sites, which nevertheless seem reliable. To avoid disappointment, the entertainment union has a simple recommendation: “Go to the official platform (…) and if unfortunately, despite all this information, it happens to you, do not hesitate to file a complaint”says Malika Séguineau, general manager of Prodiss.