If you are a Taylor Swift fan, you already know that getting tickets to her concerts is no easy task. Millions of fans vie for seats at her Epoch tour The demand for shows is limitless and many Swifties have fallen into the madness of sold-out shows and skyrocketing prices on resale platforms, reaching even $15,000 for a pair of tickets.

Taylor Swift’s Epoch tour was one of the most anticipated concert events in recent history. Fans were impatient for their return to the stage, and tickets sold out in minutes, leaving many people empty-handed. The queues on online ticket platforms can seem endless, with tens of thousands of people ahead of you fighting for a limited number of seats.

Even when tickets become available, prices can be prohibitively high due to dynamic pricing models or resale on the secondary market. Many fans turn to third-party websites or social media in the hope of getting a good deal, but this carries some risks.

When official tickets are sold out, it’s tempting to check third-party sellers like StubHub, SeatGeek, or even social media marketplaces where users claim they have extra tickets to sell. While some of these platforms are legitimate, others are rife with scams. Fake tickets, inflated prices, and nonexistent sellers are all real dangers in this market. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re thinking about buying Taylor Swift tickets through unofficial channels:

1. Use verified resale platforms: Stick with reputable ticket resale sites like Ticketmaster Verified Fan Resale that offer protection and verification to buyers. Be wary of smaller, lesser-known sites or deals that seem too good to be true—they often are.
2. Avoid social media deals: It’s common to see posts on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter from people claiming to be selling “extra tickets.” Unless you know the seller personally, it’s best to avoid these types of transactions, as they often offer no buyer protection and can easily become scams. No one is selling their Taylor Swift tickets on Facebook or Twitter. No one.
3. Read the fine print: Some resellers offer tickets with hidden fees or inflated prices. Always check the total cost before purchasing and, if possible, compare prices on multiple platforms to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
4. Beware of phishing scams: Some scammers send fake links that look like ticket pages but are actually designed to steal your personal information. Or they sell the same tickets over and over again and show you a JPEG or PDF file. Only enter sensitive information such as credit card numbers on secure, official websites.

Buying resale tickets is always a bit of a gamble, but that doesn’t mean you can’t protect yourself. Here’s what you can do:

• Find out about the seller: If you are buying through a resale platform, read reviews, check seller ratings, and make sure the site has a strict buyer protection policy.
• Pay with a credit card: Avoid paying with cash, PayPal or bank transfers with third-party providers. Using a credit card gives you more protection and the ability to dispute charges if something goes wrong.
• Check the venue’s policies: Make sure the venue you are attending accepts mobile tickets or resale tickets and check if the tickets are transferable.

Getting Taylor Swift tickets can feel like an uphill battle, but don’t let desperation lure you into a trap. The thrill of seeing your favorite artist live is unmatched, but make sure you’re not compromising your safety or finances in the process. Stick to official platforms, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, and always do your research thoroughly when buying from a third-party website or seller.