In light of some of the recent posts on this forum, I thought I would provide some info on how to avoid ticket scams.
Here is a post (a bit dated, but still relevant from the Travel Safety Blog at
http://www.travelsafetyblog.com/archives/2004_05.html
Beware of Ticket Scams
There has been an increase in entertainment ticket scams. For example you go online and research ticket prices for a pro football game, tickets for a Broadway show, Disneyworld, Disneyland or tickets to the Olympic Games. You find an incredible deal and you pay for your tickets. Your whole trip is planned around going to this event. Maybe you are taking the family or you are taking business clients. But your tickets never show up, you’ve been scammed.
Here are some tips on how to avoid ticket scammers.
• If they won’t tell you their address or phone number, don’t do business with them.
• Check and see if they have a permanent address.
• See if your ticket broker belongs to the National Association or Ticket Brokers and that they are bonded at www.natb.org
It is very important to check these people out before you make a purchase. If they look legitimate then pay by credit card and if there are any problems you’ll have a better chance of getting the charges reversed to get your money back. However, if they do not look legit, do not give them anything let alone your credit card information. If they are scam artists there is nothing stopping them from using you personal financial information to commit identity theft against you.
Here is a link to an article on avoiding ticket scams on the Consumer Protection Bureau website. While it references Super Bowl ticket scams, the information in it is excellent and can be applied to DL ticket scams. Link is http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/super_bowl.html
The CPB is advising Super Bowl enthusiasts looking for tickets to follow its “10 Ways to Avoid Scams.” Specifically, consumers are advised to:
• Purchase tickets only from a known and reputable company. Though some websites may be enticing, be careful so you don’t fall victim to ads specifically designed to lure unsuspecting purchasers. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Get everything in writing up front.
• Ask detailed questions about the offer, including what’s included and the total price, delivery date, if there is a return or cancellation policy and the terms and check the customer service department -- before you buy.
• Read ALL the fine print.
• Buy from a vendor that guarantees ticket authenticity, secure transactions and on time delivery.
• Never pay in cash, with a cashier’s check or wire money to the seller. Your payments should be traceable and verifiable so you have recourse in the event of a scam.
• Password protect your computer, financial and personal records and vital information before you purchase. Cookies and phishing are two tactics used by online scammers and can result in identity theft.
• Check for fraud on your credit card billing statements and credit reports often, especially after online purchasing.
Since many legitimate travel agents sell Disney tickets, you may wonder how can you tell if the travel agent is legitimate. If an agent is legitimate, there are several travel associations that they might belong to including the ASTA (Association of Travel Agents), NACTA (National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents) and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).
I have been a Disney hobbyist for many years now. My advice would be to be careful buying tickets based on recommendations that are made on the forum sections of boards. These have not necessarily been vetted. However, www.wdwinfo.com (associated with the disboard) and mousesavers.com have been around for years and I trust their recommendations. There are several other major Disney boards whose recommendations I also trust.
I hope this is helpful to you.
Here is a post (a bit dated, but still relevant from the Travel Safety Blog at
http://www.travelsafetyblog.com/archives/2004_05.html
Beware of Ticket Scams
There has been an increase in entertainment ticket scams. For example you go online and research ticket prices for a pro football game, tickets for a Broadway show, Disneyworld, Disneyland or tickets to the Olympic Games. You find an incredible deal and you pay for your tickets. Your whole trip is planned around going to this event. Maybe you are taking the family or you are taking business clients. But your tickets never show up, you’ve been scammed.
Here are some tips on how to avoid ticket scammers.
• If they won’t tell you their address or phone number, don’t do business with them.
• Check and see if they have a permanent address.
• See if your ticket broker belongs to the National Association or Ticket Brokers and that they are bonded at www.natb.org
It is very important to check these people out before you make a purchase. If they look legitimate then pay by credit card and if there are any problems you’ll have a better chance of getting the charges reversed to get your money back. However, if they do not look legit, do not give them anything let alone your credit card information. If they are scam artists there is nothing stopping them from using you personal financial information to commit identity theft against you.
Here is a link to an article on avoiding ticket scams on the Consumer Protection Bureau website. While it references Super Bowl ticket scams, the information in it is excellent and can be applied to DL ticket scams. Link is http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/super_bowl.html
The CPB is advising Super Bowl enthusiasts looking for tickets to follow its “10 Ways to Avoid Scams.” Specifically, consumers are advised to:
• Purchase tickets only from a known and reputable company. Though some websites may be enticing, be careful so you don’t fall victim to ads specifically designed to lure unsuspecting purchasers. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Get everything in writing up front.
• Ask detailed questions about the offer, including what’s included and the total price, delivery date, if there is a return or cancellation policy and the terms and check the customer service department -- before you buy.
• Read ALL the fine print.
• Buy from a vendor that guarantees ticket authenticity, secure transactions and on time delivery.
• Never pay in cash, with a cashier’s check or wire money to the seller. Your payments should be traceable and verifiable so you have recourse in the event of a scam.
• Password protect your computer, financial and personal records and vital information before you purchase. Cookies and phishing are two tactics used by online scammers and can result in identity theft.
• Check for fraud on your credit card billing statements and credit reports often, especially after online purchasing.
Since many legitimate travel agents sell Disney tickets, you may wonder how can you tell if the travel agent is legitimate. If an agent is legitimate, there are several travel associations that they might belong to including the ASTA (Association of Travel Agents), NACTA (National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents) and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).
I have been a Disney hobbyist for many years now. My advice would be to be careful buying tickets based on recommendations that are made on the forum sections of boards. These have not necessarily been vetted. However, www.wdwinfo.com (associated with the disboard) and mousesavers.com have been around for years and I trust their recommendations. There are several other major Disney boards whose recommendations I also trust.
I hope this is helpful to you.
