Question 1

What is the "Fake ACL and SXSW Ticket Websites" scam in Austin?

Accepted Answer

Each year around Austin City Limits Music Festival and SXSW, fraudulent ticketing websites appear in Google and social media search results offering passes at below-face-value or last-minute prices. Sites mimic the official aclfestival.com and sxsw.com websites with nearly identical branding. Buyers receive fake PDF tickets that scan invalid at the entrance gates. Losses range from $100 for a single-day pass to over $1,000 for multi-day wristbands. Buy ACL Festival and SXSW badges only from the official websites aclfestival.com and sxsw.com or their officially listed secondary market partners. Never purchase from sites that appear in ad slots above the official site. If tickets are sold out, use AXS Official Fan-to-Fan Resale or verified seller programs.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Tech Conference Ticket Resale" scam in Austin?

Accepted Answer

During SXSW and Austin tech events, fraudsters list fake or duplicate tickets on secondary resale platforms (Stubhub, Ticketmaster resale). Buyers pay in full, receive invalid barcodes or photos of tickets, and are denied entry. Refunds are slow or impossible after the event ends. Purchase tickets only from the official event website or authorized resellers. Verify the ticket is transferred directly to your account, not just emailed. If buying secondhand, use platforms with buyer guarantees and test barcodes before finalizing the sale.

Online Scams in Austin

Fake ACL and SXSW Ticket Websites

Fake Tech Conference Ticket Resale

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