The excitement is heating up as the 2024 Drum Corps International Tour enters the most intense phase of the competitive season. DCI wants to make sure that fans are able to enjoy the remarkable performances of these outstanding ensembles while avoiding a growing number of online scams.
Important Tip: Google searches often result in drum corps fans being directed to fraudulent or unapproved/unofficial sites. Fraudulent and unscrupulous operators have purchased a considerable number of search terms and have spoofed our graphics to make it seem as though you’re dealing directly with DCI. Please be aware that DCI.org/events is the single source for accurate and safe event listings for all DCI events, and will include approved links to authentic and verified ticketing platforms and streaming provider for each applicable event.
1. BEWARE OF: Fake Streaming Sites
FloMarching, a division of FloSports, is DCI’s exclusive streaming partner and is the only authorized site and portal for subscription-based streaming of 2024 DCI Tour events. Subscriptions can and should only be purchased through FloMarching.com or the FloSports App. FloMarching does not conduct transactions over Facebook or other social media sites.
View a complete schedule of streaming events and FloMarching subscription information
2. BEWARE OF: Unauthorized Ticket Resale Sites
The single-source for accurate and safe information covering the 2024 Drum Corps International Tour is DCI.org/events.
Links to purchase event tickets contained within the individual event pages at DCI.org/events are approved, authorized and fulfilled directly by Drum Corps International in addition to those officially authorized and fulfilled by our network of Tour Event Partners.
3. BEWARE OF: Fraudulent Fake Fan Personal Resales &
BEWARE OF: Fake/Spoof Websites & Social Media Sites
The proliferation of digital tickets and associated resale opportunities has spawned a vast market for fraudsters. Although there are honest situations where drum corps fans can help one-another by purchasing extra or unwanted tickets, we strongly suggest that fans take all appropriate steps to protect themselves when purchasing and selling tickets from individuals, businesses and agents with whom they are not familiar.
Helpful Tips:
- Buy tickets from official sources via the links through DCI.org/events.
- Carefully check the website – Look for a lock symbol in the web address to indicate a secure purchasing system (although this does not ensure the legitimacy of the site).
- Carefully check the spelling on the website (For example, Drum Corp – without the "s" – is one of the most common clues that someone isn’t familiar with our world. The same is true with misspellings of corps names. Be meticulous and skeptical.
- Also, double-check the URL to ensure that it is authentic and not a similar address pretending to be legitimate.
- Use caution when clicking through emails or online ads, as they may create a web address that looks similar to a well-known company or DCI.
- Carefully check all social media sites to make sure they are authentic. Among the things to check: Spelling of page name, number of followers, links directly to DCI.org, varied comments from a number of verifiable fan profiles.
- Use secure payment methods.
- Use a virtual credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay instead of providing your credit card details directly to a seller.
- Don't wire transfer money or use prepaid money cards.
- Research the seller online to the best of your ability.
- Look for negative reviews or complaints filed with your state's consumer protection agency or attorney general's office. You can also search for the seller's name, email address, or phone number along with the words "scam," "fraud," or "counterfeit." Report fraud to the appropriate authorities and the Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker.
Other considerations
If you're buying from an individual, ask for proof that they bought the tickets. Make sure the section and seat numbers on the tickets actually exist at the venue. If you need to exchange tickets, consider meeting the seller in person in a public place.
What to do if you are a victim of a ticket scam:
- File a local police report.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, or by phone at 877.382.4357.
- Report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
- Contact your credit card provider to determine if you have recourse.
- Contact tickets@dci.org for additional assistance if needed.