SAN ANTONIO – Football season is here, and concerts are selling out across San Antonio — but scammers are counting on that excitement.
The Better Business Bureau says Texans have already lost $3 million to ticket scams this year, triple the amount lost all of last year.
Kimberly London learned that lesson firsthand. She bought VIP tickets to what she thought was the Afro Soca Love Festival, gathered a group of friends and headed to Missions Park ready for a good time. What she found was far from it.
“There was no food. There was no drinks. It was just these few vendors that were out there,” London said. “And now more people are coming in. So now people are starting to get together, and they’re trying to, you know, they’re going online or posting on Facebook and on social media, trying to figure out what’s going on.”
London waited three hours before leaving. She disputed the charge with her bank and got her money back, but said the experience changed how she thinks about buying tickets.
“I was really disappointed because I was really looking forward to that,” she said. ”It just, based on the videos and things like that, but again, anybody can snatch some videos and put them up and say, this is what the heading is, and this is the good time to be expected.”
The BBB said buyers should always verify a seller or reseller before purchasing tickets. If you do get scammed, your credit card may be your best defense — disputes are more likely to succeed with credit card purchases than other payment methods.
Jason Meza, senior director of communications for BBB, urges buyers to slow down, even when the pressure is on.
“Resist the temptation, the urge to do a last-minute deal because you’re rushed, you’re probably back against the wall, you want these tickets. Take your time, verify,” Meza said.
London was fortunate to get her money back, but the BBB said many victims never do. Anyone who believes they have been scammed should report it to the BBB and dispute the charge with their bank immediately.
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