Can You Get Scammed on Viagogo? Avoiding Ticket Fraud
Understanding Viagogo
Viagogo is a prominent ticket resale platform operating in more than 30 countries. It offers tickets to a wide range of events, including concerts, sports matches, theater performances, and more. While it provides access to tickets that might otherwise be hard to find, it also comes with its fair share of risks and criticisms. This article delves into the potential for scams on Viagogo, exploring user experiences, common pitfalls, and tips for avoiding fraudulent activity.
How Viagogo Works
Viagogo connects buyers and sellers of event tickets. Sellers list their tickets on the platform, and buyers can purchase them, often at prices higher than face value. Once a purchase is made, Viagogo verifies the transaction and ensures the ticket is delivered to the buyer.
Buying Tickets on Viagogo
When buying tickets, it’s crucial to check the ticket source. Tickets can be legitimate or counterfeit, and it’s up to the buyer to discern the difference. Viagogo offers customer support to help navigate the buying process and verify ticket authenticity. Additionally, Viagogo charges various fees that can significantly increase the ticket’s total cost, including service, booking, and delivery fees.
Selling Tickets on Viagogo
Sellers can list their spare tickets on Viagogo. However, they are subject to several fees, including a reselling commission, listing fees, and payment processing fees. These fees are deducted from the seller’s earnings after the ticket is sold.
Common Complaints and Issues
Despite its popularity, Viagogo has garnered numerous complaints from users. Common issues include high fees, poor customer service, delayed ticket delivery, and, in some cases, receiving invalid or counterfeit tickets. These issues can lead to significant frustration and financial loss for buyers.
High Fees
One of the most frequent complaints is Viagogo’s high fees. Buyers often find that the total cost of their tickets, including various fees, can exceed 50% of the ticket’s face value. These fees are often not fully disclosed until the checkout process, leading to unexpected costs.
Poor Customer Service
Many users report poor experiences with Viagogo’s customer service. Complaints include unresponsive or rude customer service representatives and difficulties in resolving issues such as obtaining refunds for invalid tickets.
Ticket Delivery Issues
Another common problem is the late delivery of tickets. In some cases, tickets arrive too late for the buyer to attend the event, while in other instances, tickets never arrive at all. This can result in significant disappointment and financial loss.
Viagogo’s Buyer Guarantee
Viagogo offers a buyer guarantee, promising that tickets will be valid and delivered on time. If these conditions are not met, Viagogo claims it will provide a full refund. However, many users have reported difficulties in obtaining refunds, citing long processing times and a lack of communication from customer service.
Validating Tickets
When purchasing tickets on Viagogo, buyers can take steps to validate their tickets to avoid scams. This includes asking the seller for details such as barcodes, seat numbers, and purchase verification. Buyers can also contact the venue to confirm the ticket’s validity.
Filing a Complaint
If you encounter issues with your Viagogo tickets, you can file a complaint through the platform’s Help Center. This involves providing detailed information about your purchase and the problems you experienced. Viagogo aims to respond to complaints within one working day, but resolution times can vary.
Tips for Avoiding Scams on Viagogo
Research the Seller
Before purchasing tickets, research the seller’s history on Viagogo. Look for sellers with a high number of completed sales and positive reviews. Avoid sellers with negative feedback or limited sales history.
Verify Ticket Details
Ask the seller for detailed information about the tickets, including barcodes, seat numbers, and purchase confirmation. This can help you verify the ticket’s authenticity with the event venue.
Understand Viagogo’s Policies
Familiarize yourself with Viagogo’s terms and conditions, including their buyer guarantee and refund policies. Knowing your rights as a buyer can help you take appropriate action if issues arise.
Use Secure Payment Methods
Always use secure payment methods when purchasing tickets on Viagogo. This can provide additional protection if you need to dispute a charge or seek a refund.
Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True
If a ticket deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of significantly discounted tickets, as these may be counterfeit or invalid.
Alternatives to Viagogo
Given the risks associated with Viagogo, some buyers may prefer to use alternative ticket sources. Official ticketing websites, such as Ticketmaster or StubHub, often provide more reliable and secure options. Additionally, purchasing tickets directly from the event venue can help ensure their validity.
Official Ticket Sources
Buying tickets directly from official sources can provide greater security and peace of mind. Official ticketing websites often have stringent verification processes to prevent the sale of counterfeit tickets.
Other Resale Platforms
Other reputable ticket resale platforms, such as StubHub, may offer better customer service and more transparent fee structures. It’s important to research and compare different platforms before making a purchase.
Conclusion
While Viagogo offers access to a wide range of event tickets, it also comes with significant risks. Buyers need to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from scams. By researching sellers, verifying ticket details, and understanding Viagogo’s policies, buyers can reduce the likelihood of encountering issues. Additionally, considering alternative ticket sources can provide greater security and reliability. Remember, the key to a successful ticket purchase is due diligence and awareness of potential pitfalls.
