If you’re reading this, it could already be too late. As Drake descends on Vancouver this weekend so have hordes of scammers with fake tickets.
The Canadian hip-hop artist is scheduled to perform at two sold-out shows at Rogers Arena, on Saturday and Sunday. Floor tickets are currently being advertised for as much as $800 each on Craigslist.
However, Vancouver police have a word of warning for fans hoping to score cheap last-minute tickets.
“There is a good chance you will find yourself standing outside the event, unable to get in, and out-of-pocket for the money you spent,” Sgt. Brian Montague said in a release. He said the majority of fraudulent ticket sales happen right before an event when there is not enough time to prevent background checks.
Police say many consumers are aware scams are out there but the schemes are becoming more and more complex. Vancouver police say they have seen with fake barcodes or real tickets that were purchased with expired credit cards.
Scammers tend to sell tickets at prices so low brokers can’t match them.
“I said if I could I would. But I said the price is too low. It's just too low,” broker Kingsley Bailey told CTV Vancouver.
In 2015, Edmonton police charged a man in connection to $12,000 worth of fraudulent ticket sales on Kijiji. Police allege he would ask buyers to send an e-transfer before ending communication.
To avoid scams, Edmonton police say buyers should ask for a bill and identification when making online purchases. If possible, buyers should meet in a public location with video surveillance where the e-ticket can be verified. Finally, if the deal seems too good, ask why the item is discounted and for proof of purchase.
