Protect Yourself: Tips to Outsmart Taylor Swift Ticket Scams in New Orleans and Baton Rouge
In the world of Taylor Swift fandom, scoring tickets to her highly anticipated Eras Tour can often feel like solving a mystery. With resell sites like StubHub listing tickets for as much as $3,500, it’s no wonder fans are taking extra precautions to avoid scams and secure authentic tickets. Officially sold out on Ticketmaster within hours, the cheapest seats were a steal at under $50.
Taking matters into her own hands, Ashley Owens from Metairie established a Facebook group called the “Taylor Swift Eras Tour — New Orleans, LA” to assist fellow fans in navigating the ticket market and identifying potential scams. Members of the group exchange ticket information, share their love for Swift, and stay united in the countdown to her new album (which, at the time of writing, has been released).
A prevalent topic within the group is the identification of fraudulent tickets. Posts featuring questionable tickets often receive responses from vigilant group members pointing out inconsistencies, such as differing backgrounds and misspellings. This collaborative effort showcases the strength and dedication of Swifties in protecting one another from falling victim to scams.
Owens expressed her pride in the supportive community she has cultivated, emphasizing the importance of members looking out for each other. Inspired by similar groups that aided her in securing tickets for other tour stops, Owens created the group as a way to pay it forward and assist fellow fans in navigating the ticketing landscape.
One consistent theme Owens has observed is the prevalence of fake ticket scams, often involving photo-manipulated tickets and requests for payment via Venmo or Zelle. To help fans steer clear of potential scams, Owens advises familiarizing oneself with the features of authentic tickets to discern red flags. These may include variations in fonts, time formatting, and incorrect venue names like misspelled “Caesars.”
In efforts to combat ticket scams, both Owens and various authoritative bodies offer valuable advice to fans seeking tickets. The FBI underscores the importance of reporting fraudulent activities, while the Louisiana Attorney General’s office cautions against unrealistically low-priced tickets and emphasizes secure payment methods through reputable ticket brokers.
Furthermore, the Attorney General’s office warns against sharing ticket barcodes on social media, as scalpers could exploit this information to produce counterfeit tickets. The Better Business Bureau echoes these sentiments, advising fans to exercise caution when making ticket purchases from unfamiliar sources and to verify the legitimacy of sellers.
As fans navigate the intricate ticket market, Owens recommends exploring official resell platforms like StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, and TicketNetwork that offer buyer protection programs. While the vast selection of tickets can be overwhelming, buyers can find solace in these platforms’ guarantee refund policies and secure transaction methods.
In her unwavering commitment to fans, Owens extends an invitation for all ticket seekers to join her Facebook group. Apart from the possibility of finding tickets within the group, members can benefit from the collective knowledge and expertise in distinguishing genuine tickets from elaborate scams.
In the ever-evolving world of ticket resales, vigilance and camaraderie among fans serve as critical tools in safeguarding against potential scams. By staying informed, utilizing reputable platforms, and harnessing the power of community support, fans can maximize their chances of successfully acquiring tickets to experience the magic of Taylor Swift live in concert.
