Is StubHub Legit? Ticket Scams, Reviews & How to Buy Safely 

Buying event tickets online should be simple, but horror stories of fake tickets and no-show sellers make many question the platforms they use. StubHub is one of the most recognizable names in the resale ticket market, yet it still has a shaky reputation.

According to a 2024 report by the National Consumers League, ticket fraud complaints remain among the top ten digital scam categories, especially for sporting events and concerts. As fans increasingly turn to third-party marketplaces for sold-out shows or last-minute deals, you must know how platforms like StubHub operate and how to stay safe. Let's break it down.

What is StubHub?

StubHub is a ticket resale platform originally launched in 2000 and later acquired by eBay in 2007. In 2020, it was sold to Viagogo, forming one of the largest ticket exchange networks globally.

StubHub helps individuals and licensed brokers to list tickets for live events, including sports games, concerts, theater performances, and comedy shows. Buyers can search for events, choose seats, and purchase tickets online, often with instant digital delivery.

Unlike primary sellers (e.g., Ticketmaster), StubHub is a secondary marketplace, meaning ticket prices can be higher (or sometimes lower) than the original face value.

Is StubHub Legit and Safe to Use?

Yes, StubHub is a legitimate and functioning resale platform, facilitates millions of secure transactions every year, with protections in place for both buyers and sellers. StubHub uses HTTPS encryption, offers a clear dispute resolution process, and provides customer support globally.

But legitimacy doesn’t always equal consistency. StubHub acts as a middleman, not the ticket issuer, which means the quality of your experience largely depends on the original ticket holder, not StubHub itself. While most buyers get into their events without issues, some face invalid barcodes, last-minute cancellations, or seller no-shows.

So, although it’s a legit platform, the reliability of individual sellers varies, just like on TicketMaster, SeatGeek or more.

What Is StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee?

To build trust and reduce buyer anxiety, StubHub provides a FanProtect Guarantee, which promises:

1. A full refund or comparable replacement if your ticket is invalid
2. Refunds for canceled events (if not rescheduled)
3. Delivery on time for digital or physical tickets
4. Secure payment and encrypted transactions

This policy makes StubHub one of the safer resale options. But, you should also consider that some people have reported delays in refunds or customer service bottlenecks, especially during high-demand seasons like playoff finals or sold-out concerts.

How Can I Buy on StubHub

Here’s how the buying process works out:

1. Choose a date, venue, and ticket section.
   
2. Sellers list their tickets with dynamic pricing. Prices are often higher than face value, especially for hot events.
   
3. StubHub processes your payment and notifies the seller.
   
4. Most tickets are delivered electronically via email or the StubHub app, though some may require shipping.
   
5. If the barcode doesn’t work or the ticket is invalid, you can contact StubHub under the FanProtect policy.

Common StubHub Scams to Watch Out For

Although StubHub implements security measures, scams can still occur mainly due to dishonest sellers or off-platform transactions. Here’s what to be cautious about:

1. Invalid Barcodes

Some tickets listed on StubHub may have been screenshotted or duplicated, leading to multiple buyers holding the same QR code. Only the first person scanned at the venue gets in.

2. Last-Minute Cancellations

Sellers may upload a ticket but then cancel the transfer at the last second, which usually happens when sellers find a higher bidder elsewhere or forget to remove listings.

3. Fake PDF Tickets

For events that don’t use barcoded e-tickets, fake PDFs can circulate. StubHub usually catches these during quality checks, but some can still slip through.

4. Off-Platform Communications

If a seller contacts you outside of StubHub (via email or text) to offer better deals, avoid it, as the motive might be to bypass StubHub’s protections and often lead to scams.

StubHub Consumer Protections & Seller Responsibilities

StubHub acts as a marketplace, but it also enforces clear terms of service for sellers. These include:

• Uploading valid tickets by a set delivery deadline
• Delivering tickets through official channels (e.g., Ticketmaster transfer)
• Offering timely responses to disputes

Buyers, in turn, are protected under FanProtect and can report issues directly through their account dashboard. However, legal recourse beyond StubHub’s system is limited specifically for cross-border transactions or resale brokers operating internationally.

Are All StubHub Tickets Guaranteed?

StubHub guarantees authenticity and entry through its policies, but that doesn’t mean every listing is flawless. Here's what can go wrong:

• Game dates rescheduled: Your ticket may still be valid, but StubHub may not offer refunds.
• Venue rules change: Some stadiums now restrict entry to tickets issued directly through their apps (e.g., MLB Ballpark App), making third-party transfers trickier.
• Fraudulent sellers: While rare, scammers do exploit loopholes before their accounts are flagged and suspended.

To avoid this, always check if the event allows third-party ticket entry, especially for mobile-only events.

StubHub Reviews – What Are Real Buyers Saying?

When it comes to user trust, StubHub has a polarizing reputation in the ticket resale industry. On Trustpilot, StubHub holds an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 as of 2025, based on thousands of verified reviews. Many buyers praise the platform’s speedy ticket delivery, simple mobile access, and the ability to snag tickets for otherwise sold-out events. For fans who need reliable last-minute seats or want to explore premium options, StubHub often delivers a seamless experience.

But that doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing. A fair share of buyers report delayed refunds and unresponsive customer support, particularly when dealing with canceled events or barcode issues close to event day. 

Across Reddit, you’ll find both endorsements and cautions. In a post:

“StubHub sent me a canceled ticket and the refund took 2 weeks.” 

Even over on Twitter, you’ll find real-time conversations from buyers, some celebrating great deals, others warning about hiccups in the refund process.

StubHub is widely regarded as legitimate, but as user feedback shows, the quality of your experience can depend on timing, the seller, and how early you buy. 

How to Avoid StubHub Scams and Buy Safely

If you're shopping for tickets on StubHub, follow these best practices:

1. Stick to Instant Download or Mobile Tickets

These are harder to fake and are usually delivered right after purchase.

2. Avoid Tickets That Ship Too Close to the Event

Late deliveries increase stress and reduce resolution time if issues arise.

3. Don’t Share Your Barcode

Never screenshot or forward your ticket to someone unless you trust them 100%.

4. Use a Credit Card with Fraud Protection

By doing so you can get a fallback in case StubHub denies a refund.

5. Stay On-Platform

Keep all communication and payments within StubHub to retain eligibility for FanProtect.

StubHub vs. Ticketmaster vs. SeatGeek

Platform	Ticket Type	Prices	Buyer Protection	Delivery Speed
StubHub	Resale	Often above face	FanProtect Guarantee	Instant to 24h
Ticketmaster	Official + Resale	Mixed	Verified Tickets	Immediate
SeatGeek	Resale	Slightly lower	Buyer Guarantee	Instant

StubHub is better for sold-out events or hard-to-find tickets, while Ticketmaster is safer for official ticket purchases. SeatGeek often undercuts prices but has fewer listings for niche or international events.

Is It Safe to Use a Credit Card on StubHub?

Yes. StubHub uses encrypted payment channels (HTTPS) and supports all major cards. For added protection:

• Use credit cards (not debit) for chargeback capability.
• Enable transaction alerts to monitor unauthorized activity.
• Avoid paying with gift cards or PayPal Friends & Family.

Does StubHub Sell Fake Tickets?

StubHub doesn’t intentionally sell fakes, but bad actors sometimes list fraudulent tickets before being caught. If you end up with a fake, StubHub’s policy promises a 100% refund or replacement.

Still, the safest approach is to:

• Buy well in advance.
• Choose sellers with high feedback scores.
• Stick to digital delivery where possible.

How a VPN Can Help When Buying Tickets

A reliable VPN, such as PureVPN can help you buy tickets smartly, keeping you safe. You can:

1. Access Region Locked Ticket Sales

Trying to buy UK Premier League tickets from outside the UK? A VPN can make it look like you're browsing from within the UK. Some event tickets are only available in certain countries or regions. With a VPN, you can change your IP address and appear to be in that location. 

2. Bypass Dynamic Pricing or Location-Based Price Hikes

Some ticketing platforms may use dynamic pricing or location-based pricing strategies. A VPN helps you test prices from different locations to find:

• Lower fees
• Less inflated ticket prices
• Access to early presale listings

3. Avoid IP-Based Limits or Blocks

If you're buying multiple tickets or refreshing pages repeatedly, sites might temporarily block your IP address. A VPN helps avoid this.

4. Enhanced Privacy and Security

Public WiFi is often used while booking tickets on the go. A VPN encrypts your connection, reducing risks of credit card theft, account hacking and phishing from fake ticket sites.

Things to Consider While Using a VPN to Buy Tickets

Sometimes, you might face issues while using a VPN, such as:

• Payment Verification Mismatches: If your billing address is in one country but your VPN is set to another, your bank or the platform may flag the transaction as suspicious.
• Ticket Restrictions: Some tickets are non-transferable or bound to a local account (e.g., MLB Ballpark App or UK Ticketmaster). Using a VPN might allow the purchase, but not the actual entry.
• Captcha Loops or Login Failures: StubHub and other marketplaces sometimes detect VPNs as bot traffic, especially if the VPN uses shared IPs. This can lead to login problems or verification issues.

Final Verdict: Is StubHub Legit?

Yes, StubHub is a legit ticket marketplace, backed by a robust refund policy and a long-standing reputation in the resale industry. But, as with any third-party platform, your experience depends on how wisely you use it. The platform is best for hard-to-find tickets, last-minute event access and secure resale purchases. 

But it requires due diligence. You must stick to trusted listings, use secure payment methods, and avoid deals that look too good to be true.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is StubHub reliable for last-minute tickets?

  

  Yes, StubHub is a reliable choice for last minute tickets, but choose mobile or instant download tickets. Avoid listings that ship close to the event date.

• Will I get a refund if my StubHub ticket doesn't work?

  

  Yes. StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee ensures refunds for invalid tickets or canceled events.

• Are StubHub prices higher than retail?

  

  Yes, the prices could be higher if you are buying for sold-out or high-demand events as you're paying a premium for availability.

• Can StubHub sellers scam buyers?

  

  They can try, but StubHub’s system flags suspicious listings and offers full protection if things go wrong. Still, you must know the scams that could occur and try to prevent them.

• Is StubHub better than SeatGeek?

  

  StubHub has more global reach and better customer support, while SeatGeek often has lower fees but fewer listings. The choice depends on your particular needs.