The UAE is getting ready for a packed calendar of concerts and festivals. However, the authorities and industry leaders are raising alarms over an increase in fake ticketing scams targeting excited fans. Moreover, fraudsters are capitalizing on hype by using lookalike websites, urgent discounts, and cloned payment gateways to trick buyers into paying for tickets that don’t exist.
How Scammers Operate Fake Ticketing Scams
According to Cosmin Ivan, CEO of Platinumlist, the payment process is the broadest giveaway. However, fraudsters often embed the cloned gateways or redirect users to the suspicious wallet transfer. Moreover, mismatched OTP (one-time password) consent is the common tactic, where fans believe they are approving a small test charge, but the OTP confirms a much larger transaction.
Ivan explained that the scammers typically register lookalike domains just days before the major announcements or presales. Moreover, these domains often use extra endings, like .vip, .site. However, new social media handles aggressively push links.
Ivan warned, “If a ticket is being advertised at 50 to 70 percent off for an event not yet on sale or already sold out, it is almost certainly fake.”
What’s Being Done
Platinumlist has also introduced anti-fraud measures, including dynamic QR codes, anti-screenshot protections, and verified resale channels. However, it is essential to collaborate because fake website often operates outside the official system. Hence, Ivan suggests that organizers who pre-register could be fake domains, display a clear “where to buy” banner, and coordinate with the regulators during presales.
Global Trend
Experts shared that this is not only an issue in the UAE. Moreover, Ali Mustafa, a Dubai-based cybersecurity analyst, said that scammers are using the same scam infrastructure throughout the world. Moreover, fraudsters often operate internationally, which makes the enforcement challenging across multiple jurisdictions. In addition, they are targeting the football tournament, headline concerts, and cultural events.
The Psychology Trap
Digital risk researcher Dr. Lena Fischer revealed that the success of these scams is driven by psychology, not technology. She said, “Fraudsters depend on the excitement and the fear of missing out. When fans’ tickets are going to be sold out in minutes, they ignore the red flags.” However, she advises organizers to ensure clear communication by repeatedly sharing the official ticketing links across platforms. This reduces the effectiveness of the fake websites.
Safety Tips for Fans
- Always buy through official ticketing platforms.
- Be cautious of extreme discounts.
- Double-check the URL and payment flow.
- Read the OTP screen carefully before confirming.
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[…] UAE Experts Warn Against Rising Fake Ticketing Scams Ahead of Concert Season […]
[…] UAE Experts Warn Against Rising Fake Ticketing Scams Ahead of Concert Season […]