You hear it time and time again, somebody’s identity was stolen and it had to do with online purchases. But guess what? That doesn’t stop the fact that online shopping is a huge convenience and will continue to be a powerful source of revenue for many companies. And when you look at online shopping, online ticketing services are some of the most popular methods for getting access to events like sports games, special events, theater shows and concerts rather than the traditional going to the venue to purchase the tickets. The convenience is unparalleled. So with the fear of online identity theft how can you protect yourself and ensure you’re getting what you paid for?
First off, always purchase your tickets or ticket passages from authentic vendors. Avoid individual postings on generic sites unless you can get credentials from the sellers and testimonials of customer satisfaction. Use online ticketing services as your go-to for event tickets sales. If you’re not going to get your next Atlanta Braves tickets from Turner Field’s box office then at least ensure that you get it from a professional sports ticketing website.
Also, check the purchase options on the site. What information does it require? Does it offer ticket protection or insurance packages with the order? What forms of payment do they accept? Most sites will take the major credit cards and PayPal or an equivalent payment transfer system. Whatever card you choose to use, make sure that the company offers fraud security. Credit cards also offer you the ability to claim dissatisfaction and fraud claims should you find the purchase to be misrepresented or should it never arrive. Make sure you print a receipt. Some sites may even offer to email you a receipt as evidence of purchase.
If for whatever reason you feel uncomfortable with the order form then do not fill it out. The information normally requested are the Billing and Shipping information, card information, and if the site has a login, your account name and password. Don’t ever fill out online forms that request more private personal information such as ID or social security. That goes for anything, not just ticket orders.
These precautions allow you to enjoy your purchase. You can look forward to those concert or Nationals tickets arriving in the mail safely. Once you find yourself comfortable with a site it works to your benefit to open up an account. This gives you membership protection as well. As long as you use common sense and you review all the information you should find your online shopping to remain relatively risk-free.
