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Super Bowl Ticket Scams Flourish

Scalping, online scams, bogus packages plague fans

January 28, 2008

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With Super Bowl XLII featuring the New York Giants against the New England Patriots, the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is alerting fans to be on the lookout for counterfeit tickets and unscrupulous sellers when shopping for those impossible-to-get tickets online.

“Fans are rightfully excited about this Beantown versus Big Apple match-up,” said Mindy A. Bockstein, Chairman and Executive Director of the CPB. “However, the Internet can provide a platform for dishonest people to take advantage of fan exuberance, so we are advising consumers to be careful with their hard-earned money if they decide to shop online for Super Bowl tickets.”

The National Football League posted the following statement on their website. “The demand for tickets to Super Bowl XLII greatly exceeds our ability to accommodate the majority of our fans interested in attending. Most legitimate tickets are made available through the two teams competing in the game…. Remaining tickets for the general public are made available through a random drawing. There is no other means for the general public to purchase tickets. The NFL does not sell tickets to travel or ticket agents.”

Past Super Bowls have been the impetus for scams. With this match-up, consumers must be extra vigilant against counterfeit tickets and other ploys. For example, last year’s scams included airline tickets as part of alleged discount “Super Bowl tour packages” that, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, included everything except actual tickets to the football game.

A quick search of the Internet yields literally hundreds of hits with sites selling tickets for the February 3rd game at a price range that is as wide as the list is long. Online auctions, classified ads and bulletin boards are sites where a consumer should be especially wary.

Consumer complaints following large sporting events often include stories about people who travel the distance to the game only to find that their tickets were fakes. Many of those consumers bought their tickets online.

The CPB is advising Super Bowl enthusiasts looking for tickets to follow its “10 Ways to Avoid Scams.” Specifically, consumers are advised to:
• Purchase tickets only from a known and reputable company. Though some websites may be enticing, be careful so you don’t fall victim to ads specifically designed to lure unsuspecting purchasers. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Get everything in writing up front.
• Ask detailed questions about the offer, including what’s included and the total price, delivery date, if there is a return or cancellation policy and the terms and check the customer service department -- before you buy.
• Read ALL the fine print.
• Buy from a vendor that guarantees ticket authenticity, secure transactions and on time delivery.
• Never pay in cash, with a cashier’s check or wire money to the seller. Your payments should be traceable and verifiable so you have recourse in the event of a scam.
• Password protect your computer, financial and personal records and vital information before you purchase. Cookies and phishing are two tactics used by online scammers and can result in identity theft.
• Check for fraud on your credit card billing statements and credit reports often, especially after online purchasing.

More Scam Alerts ...

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