Tis the season to be scammed

Published 1:30 pm Tuesday, December 16, 2025

This is the season when many of us like to give the gifts of experiences — plays, concerts, events and more. And we’ve become accustomed to buying our tickets online. But hold the computer! There’s a risk in that.

Ticket scams are out there, and they move quickly. A simple web search can send you to a fraudulent reseller. These scammers often charge double or even triple for the tickets you desire and — worse yet — those pricey tickets you buy don’t really exist. So, the risk is that you pay double or triple the price of the event you want, and you don’t have a ticket.

Here’s how to buy safely (and confidently):

• Purchase your tickets only through the website of the production company hosting the performance or event you want to attend. On Vashon that could be Vashon Center for the Arts, Open Space for Arts & Community, Vashon Repertory Theatre, Vashon Opera or others. The rule also applies for any off-island events you wish to attend. Purchase tickets only from the hosting company.

• Avoid third-party platforms and individual resellers. Most companies will only recognize tickets purchased by the ticket holder directly. So, again, you could end up with a useless and very costly ticket.

• Watch out for search ads and look-alike sites. If a link is not obviously that of the company hosting your event, don’t use it. In fact, choose your event and go directly to the company’s website. Refuse invitations that come to you.

• Double-check the details. Prices that seem unusually high (or too good to be true), include vague seat info or pressure you to “buy now from a partner” are red flags. Just say “no.”

• Keep your confirmation. When you do buy directly from an event host’s website, save your order email and reference number, and bring that to the event.

Getting scammed on a precious ticket you want to give to a loved one is deeply disappointing for all concerned and can color the holiday season. It only takes a few cautionary steps to ensure that the tickets you buy are good and that you and your loved ones will enjoy the gifts of experiences that create lasting memories. Happy Holidays!

Susan McCabe is a Vashon writer and host of the Voice of Vashon show “A Vashon Minute.” Follow her work on Substack — from where this column has been adapted — at susanhmccabe.substack.com.