Comox Valley RCMP is reminding the public to use caution when purchasing event tickets through social media platforms and online marketplaces. Reports are coming in of fraudulent ticket sales in the community.

Police say scammers often advertise tickets for popular concerts, festivals, sporting events, and community gatherings at attractive prices, requesting payment through e-transfers or other methods before disappearing or providing fake or invalid tickets.

To help protect yourself, police suggest you buy tickets directly from official vendors or authorized sellers whenever possible and be cautious of sellers who insist on immediate payment or refuse to meet in person.

Whenever possible, you are advised to use payment methods that offer buyer protection rather than sending money through irreversible transfers.

As always, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Anyone who believes they have been the victim of an online ticket scam is encouraged to report the incident to police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Reporting the incidents helps investigators identify trends and warn others in the community.