Louisiana Mardi Gras Ball Ticket Scam Alert: Don't Fall Victim

Mardi Gras ball season is upon us, and while this time of year is all about celebration, it’s also prime time for scammers looking to take advantage of eager partygoers. In Louisiana, where Mardi Gras balls are a huge part of the annual Carnival tradition, scammers are targeting those desperate to snag tickets to these often sold-out events. If you're on the hunt for tickets, here’s what you need to know to avoid getting duped.

Scammers on Social Media

Facebook and other social platforms have become hotspots for ticket scams. Scammers are lurking in comment sections, responding to posts from people searching for tickets to popular balls like Krewe de Wideload, Endymion, and Rio. They often pose as genuine sellers, using convincing stories like, “My partner can’t attend anymore, so we have two tickets for sale.”

Once they move the conversation into private messages, the fraud begins. Victims are promised tickets in exchange for payment, only to sometimes receive bogus PDFs—or nothing at all.

Krewe de Wideload’s Warning

The Krewe de Wideload recently issued a warning on their Facebook page about scammers targeting their sold-out ball. They emphasized that resale tickets are hard to come by and cautioned potential buyers to be skeptical of offers online. Their advice: “No one is just willingly going to give up their tickets to the hottest party in town!”

Protect Yourself

Here are steps to ensure you’re not a scammer’s next victim:

Verify the Source: Only purchase tickets directly from Krewe members or through trusted channels. If in doubt, ask a member to confirm the legitimacy of a ticket.
Avoid Electronic Tickets: Many krewes, like Wideload and Rio, issue physical tickets only. If someone offers to email you tickets, it’s likely a scam.
Use Secure Payment Methods: Stick to platforms that offer buyer protection, like credit cards. Avoid wire transfers or payments via apps like Venmo, where recovering funds can be challenging.
Research the Seller: If buying online, check their profile for red flags. Scammers often have newly created accounts with minimal activity.
Be Skeptical of Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals: Tickets to these events are highly coveted and rarely discounted.

A Growing Problem

This isn’t a new issue, but as social media usage increases, so does the ease with which scammers can find victims.

From Lafayette to New Orleans, balls like Mom’s Ball, Apollo, Triton, and many others have been targeted by these scams.

What to Do If You’re Scammed

If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, report it to your local authorities and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. While recovering your money might not always be possible or even likely, your report could help protect others.

Enjoy Safely

Mardi Gras balls are what many of look forward to during this beloved season, and by staying safe, you can ensure your experience will make the list of good memories. Don't drink and drive, stick to official sources for tickets, and don’t let scammers ruin any of your Mardi Gras mambo.

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Source: Louisiana Mardi Gras Ball Ticket Scam Alert: How to Avoid Falling Victim