Schuette Warns of Online Purchasing Ticket Scams During Summer Concert and Event Season

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is warning consumers to be wary of online ticket purchasing scams. The warning comes during the busy summer concert and event season.

Schuette said that "as we enjoy summer, Michigan consumers should protect themselves from fraudulent online ticket sales tactics. Summer concerts should not be soured by online ticket scammers looking to make a quick buck."

Schuette offers the following tips to consider before you buy tickets online:

• Know your vendor - If you purchase tickets online, make sure you are buying from a reputable website, especially before providing any personal financial information.
• Do your research - If you are unfamiliar with a ticket vendor, you can call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at (877) 765-8388 and ask if there are any complaints on file regarding that seller.
• Use credit - If you purchase tickets online, especially through an online auction site, it's recommended that you complete your transaction using a credit card. Using a credit card gives you the ability to dispute a charge for an event cancellation, or if you receive counterfeit tickets a venue refuses to honor.
• Shop securely - If a website begins with "https" the "s" indicates that the website is secure when you access the order page of the site where you are asked to enter your personal information.
• Inspect your tickets - Physically inspect your tickets if you purchase them through a third party source.

Concerned consumers can read more about avoiding ticketing scams at the Attorney General's consumer alert entitled, "Tis the Season for Protecting Yourself When Making Purchases," available here.