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How to Safely Buy and Sell Sold-Out Tickets This Summer
Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years for live events across Ireland and worldwide. Between massive stadium tours hitting Dublin and Cork, the return of the country’s favorite weekend festivals, GAA championship matches, and the world cup, demand for tickets is at an absolute all-time high.
Unfortunately, as soon as the "Sold Out" signs go up on official ticket sites, online scammers clock in. From Facebook buy-and-sell groups to WhatsApp chats and X (formerly Twitter), secondary ticket fraud is a massive risk. If you are trying to secure entry to the summer's hottest events, or looking to pass a spare ticket on to another fan, you need a secure way to transact.
The Summer 2026 Hitlist: Where Scammers Are Most Active
High demand means high risk. This season, ticket fraud is heavily targeting fans looking for:
- Major Concerts: Olivia Dean taking over Dublin, Metallica’s highly anticipated return to Dublin, and Zach Bryan’s massive outdoor show in Cork.
- Music Festivals: Weekend passes for Electric Picnic, Longitude at Marlay Park, and All Together Now in Waterford.
- Sporting Events: High-stakes matches for the GAA Football and Hurling Championships, high-profile soccer tickets, and international travel bookings for the FIFA World Cup.
Why Traditional Peer-to-Peer Payments are a Trap
If a stranger online asks you to pay via standard bank transfer, wire service, or "Friends & Family" on digital wallets, walk away. These methods offer zero buyer protection. Once you send the money, the seller can instantly block you and disappear, leaving you out of pocket and stuck outside the gates. Similarly, buying tickets based purely on a digital screenshot is incredibly risky, the same barcode can be sold to dozens of unsuspecting lookers.
How Trustap Protects Both Buyers and Sellers
Trustap acts as a digital safety net, introducing an escrow-style milestone payment layer to casual, peer-to-peer sales.
- For Buyers: When you purchase a ticket via a Trustap link, your funds are not handed directly to the seller. Instead, Trustap holds the money securely in a holding account. The funds are only released to the seller after you have confirmed you are satisified. If you aren't satisfied, the seller doesn’t get paid, and your money is returned.
- For Sellers: Standard ticket resale platforms can strip away up to 15% of your final sale price in administrative fees. Trustap offers 0% seller fees, meaning you keep 100% of your ticket’s value. It also protects you completely against fraudulent buyer chargebacks or payment reversals after the ticket has been transferred.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Trustap for Your Next Ticket Swap
Setting up a secure transaction takes less than a minute:
- Download & Connect: Download the Trustap app or visit the web platform.
- Create a Secure Link: The seller inputs the ticket details and price to generate a unique transaction link.
- Share & Secure: Send the link directly to the buyer via DM or text. The buyer deposits the funds securely into the hold account.
- Enjoy the Event: Transfer the ticket officially. Once the buyer confirms they are happy, the funds are safely disbursed.
Don't let a ticket scam ruin your summer plans. Whether you’re chasing a Hill 16 spot for the GAA, heading to Cork for Zach Bryan, dreaming of the world cup, or setting up camp at Electric Picnic, protect your pocket with Trustap.