Football season and concert tours have brought excitement to San Antonio, but they have also drawn scammers looking to profit from eager fans. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says Texans have already lost $3 million to ticket scams this year – a figure that triples the amount lost in the previous year.
Local victim shares her experience
Kimberly London thought she was buying VIP tickets to the Afro Soca Love Festival at Missions Park. After arriving, she found only a few vendors, no food or drinks, and an empty venue. “There was no food. There was no drinks. It was just these few vendors that were out there,” London said. She waited three hours before leaving, disputed the charge with her bank and eventually received a refund, but the ordeal left her wary of future purchases.
BBB advice for Texans
Jason Meza, senior director of communications for the BBB, urges buyers to slow down, even when the pressure to secure last‑minute tickets is high. “Resist the temptation, the urge to do a last‑minute deal because you’re rushed, you’re probably back against the wall, you want these tickets. Take your time, verify,” Meza said.
The BBB recommends the following steps to protect yourself:
- Verify the seller or reseller before purchasing. Look for official websites, reputable ticket platforms, or direct links from the event organizer.
- Use a credit card rather than cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Credit‑card disputes are more likely to succeed.
- Research the event venue and ticket price ranges. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Report suspected scams to the BBB and contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge.
Why scams are on the rise
The surge in ticket fraud coincides with heightened demand for live entertainment after pandemic restrictions eased. Scammers exploit social‑media groups, online marketplaces and fake event pages to lure buyers. Because many victims do not use credit cards, they often struggle to recover lost funds.
London’s experience underscores the importance of vigilance. “I was really disappointed because I was really looking forward to that,” she said. “Anyone can snatch some videos and put them up and say, this is what the heading is, and this is the good time to be expected.”
What you can do now
If you suspect you have been scammed, act quickly. Contact your credit‑card issuer to file a dispute, and file a complaint with the BBB at bbb.org. Staying informed and cautious can help keep your hard‑earned money safe while you enjoy the season’s events.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
