Is an online ticket seller asking for payment by friends and family a scam?
Yes. Requesting friends-and-family payment for tickets removes all buyer protection and is a classic scam signal.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Concert and sports event ticket scams frequently operate through social media, classified ads, and messaging apps. The seller claims to have spare tickets but insists on payment via PayPal Friends and Family, Venmo, or a bank transfer because 'fees are lower'. These methods have no buyer protection — there is no chargeback, and if the tickets turn out to be fake or never arrive, you have no recourse through the payment platform. Genuine private ticket resellers accept protected payment methods and can provide proof of purchase. If a seller refuses anything other than a fee-free personal payment, walk away.
Common red flags
- Seller insists on PayPal Friends and Family or direct bank transfer
- Tickets are priced below face value or exactly at face value from a stranger
- Seller is reluctant to provide a scanned copy of the original booking
- Communication only via social media DM or messaging app
- Pressure to pay quickly before tickets are sold to someone else
What to do now
- Only buy from official venue box offices or authorised resale platforms
- Never pay via friends-and-family or bank transfer to an unknown seller
- Ask for proof of purchase before any payment is made
- Report ticket fraud to local police and the event organiser
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy tickets from a verified social media account?
A verified badge confirms identity on that platform but not trustworthiness as a seller. Always use a protected payment method regardless of how the seller appears.