Scammers trying to sell you tickets for free virtual holiday events, Better Business Bureau warns

PITTSBURGH — With lots of changes happening this holiday season, the Better Business Bureau wants you to be skeptical when you’re asked to buy a ticket for a virtual event.

“It’s important to be suspicious if, say, a historically free event is now charging admission, if they’re requiring some type of paid ticket or other personal information to attend,” Caitlin Driscoll, BBB of western Pennsylvania public relations director, said.

Driscoll said people are creating fake pages on social media for “virtual holiday events,” then charging admission for them when, in reality, the actual virtual event is free.

“A good rule of thumb is to visit the event’s actual website or the organizer’s website. See if you need to purchase a ticket for this virtual event. If not, scammers may be trying to scam others. Contact the organizer, you may be helping other local victims from being scammed,” Driscoll said.

Do your research. If you feel comfortable making a purchase, use a credit card and get a receipt.

While there have not yet been any reports of fake pages for any local holiday events, the BBB expects that to change.

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