Tickets to Nowhere: The Rise of Bucket List Scams

As more people place value on experiences, scammers are finding new and effective ways to steal that joy, cashing in on dreams through bucket list scams. These schemes prey on people’s desire to fulfil lifelong dreams, such as attending a sold-out concert, securing tickets to a major sporting event, or booking a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

Recent reports have highlighted how sophisticated these scams have become with organised networks, even involving individuals working in customer support roles, to make the fraud appear legitimate.

So, if you ever find yourself landing exclusive tickets to a sold-out world tour concert, think twice before making the next move.

How it Works

Fraudsters are finding it easy to target victims in bucket list scams. They may create professional-looking websites or social media ads, offering exclusive access to high-demand events often at a discount or with the promise of VIP treatment. They lure victims with the appeal of rare opportunities that seem just within reach.

• Fake Ticketing Websites – Victims are directed to convincing websites where they “purchase” tickets but after payment, either the tickets never arrive, or the QR codes provided are invalid.

• Impersonation of Legitimate Companies – Scammers may pose as official ticketing agents, using duped phone numbers and professional email addresses to build credibility.

• Phony Customer Service – Some operations even involve call centre workers to handle inquiries, creating an illusion of legitimacy. Victims often only realise they’ve been scammed when they’re turned away at the venue or after discovering that their payment information has been compromised.

What Makes These Scams So Effective?

• Emotional Appeal – Bucket list experiences are tied to deep personal desires, making it easier for victims to overlook red flags.

• High Demand, Low Supply – Scarcity creates urgency, leading victims to act without taking the time to verify.

• Professional Execution – The websites, communications, and even customer service lines are very convincing and seem legitimate at first glance.

Red Flags to Look Out For

• Unrealistic Offers – If tickets to a major event are sold out elsewhere but readily available from one source at a discount, it’s likely too good to be true.

• High-pressure Sales Tactics – If you’re being pushed to buy quickly due to “limited availability,” take a step back and reassess.

• Payment via Bank Transfer, Wire Transfer or Peer-to-peer applications – Legitimate ticket vendors typically offer secure credit card payment options. Scammers prefer irreversible payment methods.

• Lack of Verification – If the website isn’t linked to the official event or company site, or if contact details are hard to find, it’s likely to be a scam.

How to Protect Yourself

• Only Buy from Official Sources – Purchase tickets directly from the event’s official website or an authorised ticketing platform. On websites, always look for signs of legitimacy, such as an SSL certificate (HTTPS), professional design, and customer reviews.

• Avoid Clicking on Links from Social Media Ads – Scammers often use targeted ads to lure victims to fake websites. Always check official channels.

• Use Credit Cards for Payment – Credit cards offer fraud protection, allowing you to dispute charges if the tickets turn out to be fake.

• Verify Contact Information – If you receive a suspicious email or call, contact the company directly through official channels to verify any information received.

As these fraudulent organised networks grow, bucket list scams may become more difficult to detect and more damaging when they succeed. By staying vigilant and knowing what to look for, you can protect yourself, and your dreams, from becoming someone else’s joy.