Can I confirm tickets are real if I buy from a 3rd Party?

[Zman]

Can I confirm tickets are real if I buy from a 3rd Party? I have a chance to buy from a 3rd party at face value. Can I call or email in the ticket numbers to confirm they are real tickets?

[gaminwench]

no.
there is a list of voided tickets here, but it is unlikely to be comprehensive.

Buying through an unknown (to you) 3rd party seller implies risk.

[Popeye]

viewtopic.php?f=417&t=73081

Meet in a public place, Bank or Police Station is good. What situation will deter a scammer but not drive a legitimate seller away?
There are pictures of 2015 tickets on here, not a cheap print job.
Scammers get a lot of publicity but the majority of ticket sales are not scams. In the final analysis you have to make your own decision, no guarantees in this life except death and taxes.

[FIGJAM]

If it doesn't come with a survival guide, that's a red flag.

[Eric]

Can I call or email in the ticket numbers to confirm they are real tickets?

Burning Man does not confirm tickets sold through third parties. They used to, but since the sell-outs it's become way too labor-intensive. They do publish a list of voided tickets that they update as often as possible. The warning with that is that it is not complete, and that just because a ticket # isn't on there doesn't mean the ticket itself is valid.

Counterfeits are generally easy to spot - a real ticket is a high quality piece of art. Heavy stock paper, detailed & precise printing, areas with holographic and metallic gold printing, embossed areas that fit into the design (again - precisely. Nothing on a real ticket is sloppy or cheap looking).

Dealing with will-call tickets is trickier. Make sure those are from someone you trust.

See the really big link in my sig for more details.