Watch Out! These Lakers Ticket Scams Are Fooling Even Smart Buyers



Lakers games are one of the hottest tickets in sports, and scammers know it. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just trying to catch LeBron before he retires, buying tickets has become a high-risk game. And even the savviest buyers are falling for these increasingly convincing scams. Here’s how to avoid getting burned.

🚨 The Most Common Lakers Ticket Scams Right Now

1. Fake PDF Tickets on Resale Platforms

Scammers sell fake tickets as downloadable PDFs. These are often screenshots of real tickets that have already been sold or used. Once you show up at the arena, you find out they’ve already been scanned — and you're out of luck.

2. Social Media "Seller" Traps

Fraudsters pose as fans on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or Craigslist, offering “last-minute” deals. They'll ask for payment via CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle, then ghost you.

3. Imposter Websites

Some fake websites look nearly identical to official ones. They might use URLs like "lakerstickets-now.com" or misspellings of legitimate vendors. These sites collect your credit card info — and leave you with nothing.

4. “Too Good to Be True” Texts or Emails

Scammers blast out messages offering premium seats at huge discounts, usually with a shady link to follow. Don’t click — they’re phishing for your personal and financial info.

🧠 How Even Smart Buyers Get Tricked

  • Tickets look real. Scammers often use old tickets with legit-looking seat numbers and barcodes.

  • Urgency tactics. They create pressure with lines like “Need to sell ASAP!” or “Already got a buyer unless you respond now.”

  • Real fan profiles. Some scammers go as far as creating fake social profiles with photos and friends to look legit.

✅ How to Stay Safe When Buying Lakers Tickets

1. Stick to Trusted Sellers

Only buy from:

  • The official Lakers website

  • Crypto.com Arena box office

  • Verified platforms like Ticketmaster, AXS, Gametime, SeatGeek, or StubHub

2. Check for Verified Resale Badges

Look for “verified resale” or “official resale partner” labels. These tickets have been vetted by the platform.

3. Avoid Peer-to-Peer Unless You Know Them

Buying from strangers online? Only do it in person and at a secure location like a Starbucks — and use PayPal Goods & Services for protection.

4. Use a Credit Card for Purchase

Avoid cash apps. Credit cards offer dispute protection if you get scammed.

🏀 Bonus Tip: Use the Lakers App or Mobile Wallet

More and more tickets are now mobile-only, making screenshots and PDFs obsolete. If you get a PDF, that’s a red flag. Always transfer tickets through the official app or platform.

🔒 Final Thought

The Lakers ticket resale world is full of great deals — and greedy scammers. Be skeptical, double-check everything, and remember: if it feels shady, walk away. Better to miss a deal than lose your money.

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