A San Antonio man is sharing his experience after falling victim to a ticket scam that cost him $10,000, as he sought to support flood relief efforts through a George Strait benefit concert. The man, who remains anonymous for privacy reasons, explained how a Facebook post advertising the July 27 concert for flood victims appeared genuine, only to turn out to be a fraud.
“My wife received a Facebook post advertising a George Strait fundraiser in Boerne,” he recounted. Citing the urgent cause and the iconic performer, the scammer’s operation seemed convincing. The post resembled content from Strait’s official channels, and extensive online searches revealed no prior warnings about a scam. After corresponding with the purported seller, who engaged in detail-oriented communication, the couple felt secure enough to wire the substantial sum for four tickets.
The devastating realization came when they learned that the tickets were non-existent. The individual shared a poignant reflection: “I was not concerned about losing the money… but I was concerned that someone stole money from people who were suffering in our state.” Crucially, the scam hinged on a single-letter discrepancy in the email address linked to the Facebook post compared to the official George Strait website, resulting in their funds being sent to the wrong recipient, leaving the intended charity without aid.
Reflecting on the betrayal, the victim expressed strong sentiments about the moral depravity of exploiting tragedy for profit. “Tragedies bring out the best—Texas in particular. It also brings out the worst, reprehensible in people,” he stated, advocating for stricter consequences for scammers. “I think they should get life in prison,” he added.
Despite their significant loss, the couple remains committed to helping flood victims and intends to continue contributing to other local relief efforts. “I won’t get any money back…I don’t want to see anyone else get taken like this,” he emphasized.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has noted that scams similar to this one are sadly common, particularly during high-profile events. They recommend purchasing tickets directly from venues, using credit cards for potential disputes, and checking seller credibility through the National Association of Ticket Brokers.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance and thorough research in an era where digital impersonation is all too simple, underscoring the need for community awareness and protection against such deceitful schemes.