Amusement parks: 3 tips to avoid online scams

So here are my 3 simple tips to buying tickets online securely by avoiding the most common scams.

1. Check the authenticity of a website or email address before buying

Cybercriminals use typosquatting, a technique that consists in registering domains with deliberately misspelled names of official websites. All it takes are some simple checks to tell the difference:

• Before clicking on a link in an email or entering your bank details on a website, take a few seconds to check the website address or message sender. Be careful though, sometimes the modifications are very subtle: a letter substituted (e.g.: “rn” instead of “m”), added or deleted, or an added accent in the case of foreign words.
• Be wary of emails containing errors, clumsy wording on not written with the usual tone, as these can be signs of an attempted fraud.
• Have a doubt? Type the domain name of the official website directly into your browser rather than clicking on a link received by email or seen on social media.

2. Beware of offers that sound too good to be true

Cybercriminals exploit the fact that consumers are drawn to good deals by proposing unbeatable prices.

• Rule number 1: if an offer seems too good to be true… it’s most likely a scam! Messages that emphasise urgency or exclusivity, such as “Limited offer!” or “Last seats available!” should raise a warning flag.
• Beware of advertisements and promotions publicised on social media or via online advertising. Some fraudulent websites pay to move up feeds or to appear top of search results.

3. Use secure payment methods

Cybercriminals tend to favour online payment solutions that cannot be appealed or opposed. Which means that once the transaction is completed, it is very difficult, or even impossible, to get your money back in case of a problem. Some clues can help alert you to the reliability of an e-commerce website.

• Avoid payments by bank transfer or prepaid cards, and be wary of sites that only offer these options. These methods are very difficult to contest which means there won’t be any refund in the event of a scam.
• Favour payments by bank card or via recognised platforms instead (PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.), which generally offer some level of protection and allow for litigation in the event of a problem.

Adopting these good practices can help avoid not only online ticketing scams but also scams linked to all types of online purchases.