With the big game this weekend, scam ticket listings are flooding Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
Common patterns:
- Tickets priced 30-50% below face value
- Seller claims they "can't go anymore" — sick, work conflict, etc.
- They send screenshots of tickets that look real but are duplicated
- Payment via Venmo/Zelle/CashApp (no buyer protection)
- At the gate, the barcode won't scan — someone else already used it
How to buy safely:
- StubHub, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster resale have buyer guarantees
- If buying peer-to-peer, meet at the venue and walk in together
- Verify the barcode with the venue box office before paying
- Use PayPal Goods & Services (has buyer protection) not Venmo
What duplicate tickets look like:
- The screenshot is real — from a real ticket
- But the seller sold the same screenshot to 5+ people
- First person to scan it gets in. Everyone else is out their money.
Source: BBB DFW, AT&T Stadium box office warnings
I see this every single major event. Don't let excitement make you skip safety steps.
Is it just me?
StubHub guarantee is worth the fees. Every time. If the tickets dont work they either replace them or give you a full refund.