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Is StubHub Legit? Fake Tickets & Delivery Problems Exposed

Updated: January 2026

StubHub is real but has massive problems.

From 389 Reddit comments: fake/invalid tickets at venue, day-of delivery (no time to verify), poor seller vetting, sellers going dark, customer service refusing refunds. One user flew to Mexico City for Madonna concert, received homemade printouts on inkjet paper, turned away at gate. Another bought $1000 Billie Eilish tickets with day-of delivery. StubHub refuses compensation for travel/hotels. DO NOT rely on this for important events.

Key Findings

What It Is

Legitimate resale platform but seller-dependent quality

Main Risk

Day-of delivery dates (no time to verify)

Best Action

Buy from official primary market first (Ticketmaster, venue box office)

The Pattern

→Legitimate resale platform but seller-dependent quality
→Sellers don't get paid until after event (should ensure validity)
→Tickets sometimes deliver day-of only
→Wide range of seller reliability (no vetting)
→Some sellers disappear after payment
→Invalid/fake tickets slip through
→Tracking shows 'seller will deliver' dates
→Price discrepancies compared to Ticketmaster

Red Flags

Warning: Day-of delivery dates (no time to verify)
Warning: Tickets delivered hours before event start
Warning: Seller has no reviews or new account
Warning: Prices significantly below face value
Warning: Invalid tickets at venue despite StubHub confirmation
Warning: Seller becomes unresponsive after payment
Warning: Printed tickets rather than mobile/app transfer
Warning: Vague seat descriptions (section/row only, no specific seats)
Warning: Sellers claim seat was paid for but are different
Warning: Customer service refuses to acknowledge system flaws

What To Do

1Buy from official primary market first (Ticketmaster, venue box office)
2Only use secondary market for events with margin for error
3Check seller rating and review history carefully
4Buy well in advance (not last-minute)
5Use credit card for buyer protection
6Screenshot all listing details and seller information
7Verify tickets arrived in app before event
8Attend event early to verify tickets before gates close
9Document everything for chargeback if needed
10Report problematic sellers to StubHub and BBB

What NOT To Do

✕Don't buy day-of delivery tickets
✕Don't buy from new sellers or sellers with no reviews
✕Don't buy for important events you can't replace
✕Don't assume StubHub will compensate for seller failures
✕Don't ignore cheap prices on high-demand events
✕Don't book travel before tickets are verified
✕Don't rely on customer service to help
✕Don't expect full refund (will only cover ticket cost, not travel)

Copy-Paste Script

Purchased [event] tickets on StubHub for $[amount]. Delivered [date/time]. Tickets [invalid/fake/wrong seats] at venue. Requesting refund and compensation.

FAQ

Is StubHub safe for buying tickets?

Only if you can afford to lose the money. Real problem: StubHub has little control over sellers. If seller delivers fake tickets, StubHub's refund won't cover your $2000 flight/hotel for a concert. Use official sources for important events.

Why do day-of deliveries happen?

StubHub doesn't require tickets until close to event to prevent counterfeiting. But this means you can't verify authenticity before attending. Smart scammers know you're trapped—you either use fake tickets or miss the event.

What about StubHub's Guarantee?

Their guarantee promises a refund if tickets don't arrive or are invalid. But refund only covers ticket price, not your travel costs. One user: $400 flight/hotel costs, StubHub refunded $0 (said they 'accepted' invalid tickets at gate).

Are printed tickets safe?

No. Anyone can print fake tickets. One victim received printouts on plain white paper from home inkjet printer. Real tickets have security features. App-based tickets (transferred to your app) are much safer than printed.

What's a safer way to buy resale tickets?

Ticketmaster's official resale (same account transfer, verified source), AXS resale (direct app transfer), or Vivid Seats (better buyer protection). Avoid printing tickets—require app-based delivery only.

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