How to Avoid Concert Ticket Scams on OfferUp in 2026
Navigate OfferUp concert ticket sales safely by recognizing and avoiding common scams. This guide details how to protect yourself from fraudulent sellers and ensure a secure transaction in 2026.
Your 2026 Guide to Safely Buying Concert Tickets on OfferUp
Concert tickets for global tours are high-demand items, making them a prime target for scammers on platforms like OfferUp. While OfferUp offers a convenient way to find tickets, it's crucial to be aware of the prevalent scams to avoid financial loss and disappointment.
Common Scams Targeting Concert Ticket Buyers on OfferUp
- ✓ Fake Payment App Screenshot: Scammers may send a convincing but fake screenshot of a payment confirmation, leading you to believe the transaction is complete when it's not. Always verify funds in your own account.
- ✓ Google Voice Verification Code: Be extremely wary if a seller asks for a verification code sent to your phone. This is often an attempt to set up a Google Voice account using your number for fraudulent purposes.
- ✓ The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish/Shipping Label Outside App: Scammers often try to move communication off the OfferUp platform to avoid its protections. They might ask you to text them or arrange shipping outside the app, which can lead to non-delivery or disputes where OfferUp cannot assist.
- ✓ Empty Box Shipping Fraud: In this scam, the seller ships an empty box or a different, low-value item. Since the tracking shows delivery, OfferUp might consider the transaction complete, leaving you without the tickets and your money.
- ✓ Non-Existent Item Deposit: A seller might ask for a deposit to secure concert tickets that they do not actually possess. Once the deposit is paid, the seller disappears.
- ✓ Fake TruYou Identity Theft: While OfferUp's TruYou verification aims to build trust, scammers can sometimes exploit the process or create fake profiles. Always scrutinize seller profiles and look for genuine reviews.
- ✓ Robbery at Unsafe Meetup: Meeting in secluded or unfamiliar locations for ticket exchanges can be dangerous. Scammers may use this to rob buyers.
- ✓ Overpayment via Cashier's Check: A scammer might send a cashier's check for more than the ticket price, requesting you refund the difference. The initial check is often fraudulent, leaving you out the refunded amount.
Never click on suspicious links sent by sellers, as these can lead to phishing sites designed to steal your personal information or login credentials.
Ensuring a Secure Transaction with Safe Trade Services
For high-value concert tickets, consider using Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for identity verification. This adds an extra layer of security by confirming the seller's identity, reducing the risk of dealing with fraudulent accounts. For lower-value tickets, the Basic Plan can still offer valuable peace of mind.
- ✓ Always conduct transactions within the OfferUp app whenever possible.
- ✓ Be wary of sellers who insist on communicating or transacting outside of OfferUp.
- ✓ Verify payment has cleared in your account before handing over tickets or agreeing to a sale.
- ✓ If meeting in person, choose well-lit, public locations like police stations or designated safe meetup spots.
- ✓ Trust your instincts; if a deal seems too good to be true or a seller is pressuring you, it's likely a scam.
By staying informed and utilizing tools like Safe Trade Services, you can significantly enhance your safety when buying concert tickets on OfferUp.
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