Fake tickets are the path to the Dark Side

May the Force make you wary of fake Star Wars tickets.

That’s the Better Business Bureau’s message for fans buying tickets in advance of the latest installment of the franchise, set to open in movie theatres Dec. 18.

With screenings sold out, tickets are now being offered through private sources, giving scammers an opportunity to prey upon dedicated fans.

“If scammers can produce extremely accurate fakes of those [tickets], then producing fake movie tickets will be a snap,” said BBB spokesperson Evan Kelly.

“The big tip from us is do not wire money to someone you don’t know.”

The BBB has received numerous calls over previous fake ticket scams involving big events, like Taylor Swift concerts and Women’s World Cup Soccer.

Here are some further tips to avoid getting scammed: • If a situation sounds too good to be true, such as someone selling tickets to a popular event for much less than offered elsewhere, it’s probably a scam. • If paying cash to someone you don’t know, bring a friend and meet in a well-lit public place. • Ask the seller for contact information; if they refuse, don’t buy. Ask the seller to come to the venue with you to make sure you get in. • When buying tickets online, ideally pay with a credit card or through PayPal because of the consumer protections provided. • If buying online, ask to see a picture of the tickets so you can confirm the seats match up with the venue. If your friends already have tickets, you can also make sure they look the same as the ones you want to buy. • Keep in mind that it’s illegal to charge more than the face value for tickets. • Buy direct from the venue or a reputable ticket broker; search for both at bbb.org to see if there are any complaints filed against them.