The present disclosure involves a method of verifying user check-ins to a venue. The method includes initializing a digital check-in chain for a venue. The method includes expanding, electronically by a processor, the check-in chain with a plurality of check-in entries that each correspond to a visit to the venue by a respective user. Each check-in entry on the check-in chain is generated in response to one or more preceding check-in entries on the check-in chain. The method includes detecting fraudulent check-in entries in response to a split in the check-in chain. The method includes removing the fraudulent check-in entries from the check-in chain.