Avoiding Ticket Scams
Over the years, ticket sales on Kijiji have presented unique challenges for both buyers and sellers. While most ticket listings are no longer allowed on Kijiji, some local, low-value event tickets may still be posted in the Events category under the Community section. These events include:
- Charity fundraising events
- Events held by schools, colleges, universities, churches, or other community organizations
- Local lifestyle events, such as food festivals, street fairs, or community tournaments
All tickets for these events must be sold at face value or less, usually under $50 per ticket. If you’re unsure whether your event qualifies, contact Kijiji Customer Service.
Here are tips to help you avoid disappointment or fraud when purchasing tickets:
🔎 If it looks too good to be true — it probably is
- Research prices for similar tickets for the same event before responding to an ad. A price that is unusually low is likely a red flag.
- Be cautious of sellers promising last-minute “premium” tickets or VIP access at a steep discount.
📋 Do your homework
- Always transact in person whenever possible. Ideally, meet at the event venue to verify the tickets.
- Call ahead to ensure the venue can authenticate the tickets. Some venues may not be able to verify tickets before the event.
- Avoid sending money via Western Union, MoneyGram, or other untraceable online transfers, as scammers often disappear once payment is received.
🕵️♂️ Check the details
- Be wary of transactions that feel rushed or pressure you to make a quick payment. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to force poor decisions.
- Always request hard tickets, as these are safer than e-tickets.
- Ask questions about seat numbers, delivery method, and ticket authenticity. Genuine sellers should answer without hesitation.
🎫 Extra notes worth considering
- E-tickets: Scammers may produce multiple copies. Only the first scanned ticket is valid, and the rest will be denied entry.
- Box office tickets: Scammers may fail to update the Pre-Order name at the box office, preventing you from entering the event.
- Avoid purchasing e-tickets or box office tickets from users; Kijiji strongly recommends buying only verified tickets through official channels.
- Electronic payment scams: Never wire money or provide banking information to unknown sellers. Use traceable payment methods if necessary.
- Check for duplicate listings: Scammers often repost the same tickets multiple times to different buyers.
- Social media offers: Be extra cautious of tickets offered via social media messages or apps outside of Kijiji — these are high-risk.
🤝 Safe practices for purchasing tickets
- Meet the seller in person at a public place or the event venue.
- Verify the ticket’s authenticity before paying.
- Avoid paying upfront for unverified tickets, especially e-tickets or tickets requiring shipping.
Remember: Fraudsters exploit urgency, e-tickets, and online payments. Always verify tickets in person, transact locally, and avoid suspicious deals. Staying cautious ensures you enjoy the event without disappointment.
