The summer concert season is underway. This summer season is shaping up to be the biggest since 1994, when nine million fans attended concerts that grossed $337 million, according to Billboard, the publication that covers the music industry.

If you’re looking to grab tickets to your favorite concert, be careful or you could lose your hard-earned cash. Your Better Business Bureau can help you get your favorite concert tickets and avoid getting scammed.

Over the last year, almost 1,700 complaints and about 178,000 inquiries were filed with your BBB concerning ticket sales in North America. Locally, less than 100 inquiries were reported with your BBB, in part because people are doing their research before making purchases.

Two common scams involve consumers paying for tickets and not receiving them, and paying for tickets but receiving fake ones. To help avoid these scams, your BBB offers these tips:

• Ask the seller where he or she is located and how he or she can be contacted after the sale. If the seller is elusive, don’t pursue the offer.

• Meet the seller in person if possible. Bring a friend along and meet in a public location like a store parking lot.

• Never wire money or pay with a cashier’s checks or cash. You’ll have no way of getting your tickets or money back. Pay with a credit card or through PayPal, which will offer you some protection.

• Look for secure websites when buying tickets. Look for a website with the padlock on the page and “https” in the URL web address box.

• Ask for a picture of the tickets so you can confirm the tickets match the venue if you’re buying tickets online.

• Look for the BBB seal on the website and ask about refund policies when purchasing concert tickets from an online broker.

• Don’t be lured away from reputable website to complete transactions with sellers.

• Be wary when buying from scalpers. A ticket scalper is an unlicensed and unregulated ticket seller. Buying tickets outside the venue can be risky.

• Don’t be rushed to buy. Some scammers will pressure you into making a quick decision. Take it as a warning sign of a possible scam.

Also, check with your BBB, it can provide Business Reviews on ticket sellers you’re considering. Also, be sure to click the trust button on business reviews of companies you trust and work with. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.