July 25, 2025, 12:25 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Vacationers can easily fall into a trap when they try to buy tickets online in advance. A recent report from the European Consumer Center (EVZ) shows that more and more travelers are becoming victims of scams when purchasing tickets for attractions online.

Scammers Create Deceptively Real Websites

Often, it’s not the official providers but rather unscrupulous platforms that stand out due to inflated prices, false promises, or undelivered tickets. Particularly insidious: Many of these websites resemble the official sales portals in design and name and appear prominently in search engines thanks to paid ads.

The range of possible scams is vast. In the mildest cases, travelers simply pay too much but at least receive a valid ticket. However, in many cases, they face disappointment: Instead of entry to the attraction, they get a poor tour without access to the main site or no service at all. Some customers later find out that their booking inadvertently signed them up for a costly subscription.

Another scheme: After booking, the provider informs the customer that no tickets are available for the chosen day and offers dates weeks or months later instead. According to EVZ, those who then request a refund often receive only a small portion or nothing at all.

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Tourists Can Request Refunds, but …

A common argument from providers: “No right of withdrawal applies to tickets for fixed dates.” But this statement is often misleading. EVZ lawyer Alexander Wahl clarifies: “If a booked ticket is not delivered, it’s not a withdrawal but simply a breach of contract. The right of withdrawal has nothing to do with it.”

In principle, customers in such cases have the right to demand a full refund. However, whether this succeeds largely depends on the country where the provider is based. Especially with sellers outside Germany, enforcing rights is often difficult. The EVZ Germany can help here: Vacationers with issues with EU providers can contact the center for free assistance.

How Tourists Can Protect Themselves from Fake Attraction Tickets

To avoid trouble from the start, tourists should keep a few important points in mind when buying tickets online:

1. First, it’s crucial to check the official website of the attraction, explains Alexander Wahl. There, you will usually find information on how official tickets are sold. Sometimes, ticket sales are handled by external companies. The site also lists any requirements or restrictions for visiting.
2. Another warning sign is a missing or incorrect imprint on the website. Noticeable typos in the web address (URL) could also indicate fraudulent providers.
3. Finally, buyers should compare ticket prices with the official information from the attraction. If they are significantly higher or suspiciously low, caution is advised.

With material from dpa