Here's how football fans can avoid Super Bowl ticket scams

Emma McGowan 7 Feb 2023

The big event attracts a wide range of scam artists who prey on unsuspecting fans.

The Super Bowl is one of the most popular and highly anticipated events in the world of sports. Each year, millions of fans flock to the host city to witness the biggest game in American football. But, unfortunately, the hype and excitement surrounding the Super Bowl also attracts a wide range of scam artists who prey on unsuspecting fans with fake ticket scams.

So what does that look like? Let’s take a closer look at Super Bowl ticket scams, including how to protect yourself and steps you can take if you have fallen victim to a Super Bowl ticket scam.

What are Super Bowl ticket scams?

Super Bowl ticket scams can take many forms, but the most common ones involve selling fake or fraudulent tickets. This can be done through online platforms such as dedicated websites, social media, and even through email.

Scammers will often offer Super Bowl tickets at significantly reduced prices that are likely too good to be true. In some cases, they’ll even send a fake ticket as proof of purchase.

Signs of Super Bowl ticket scams

Here are some warning signs that indicate you may be a target of a Super Bowl ticket scam:

  • Unusually low prices: Super Bowl tickets are usually quite pricey, so if someone is offering them at significantly reduced prices, it’s a red flag.

  • No physical tickets: If the seller is only offering digital or e-tickets, this may be a sign of a scam. Physical tickets are usually required for entry into the stadium, so be wary of any seller who is only offering digital tickets.

  • No refund policy: Legitimate ticket sellers will always offer a refund policy in the event that something goes wrong. If the seller does not offer a refund policy, this may be a sign that the tickets are fake or fraudulent.

  • Lack of official credentials: If the seller does not have an official website or any other means of verifying their credentials, this is another red flag.

  • No contact information: If the seller does not provide a phone number or email address, it may be difficult to contact them in the event of a problem.

How to protect yourself from Super Bowl ticket scams

Here are some tips to protect yourself from Super Bowl ticket scams:

  • Buy tickets only from reputable sources: The best way to avoid Super Bowl ticket scams is to purchase tickets only from reputable sources such as the NFL or authorized ticket sellers.

  • Check the seller’s credentials: Before making a purchase, be sure to check the seller’s credentials and make sure they are a legitimate ticket seller.

  • Pay with a credit card: If you do purchase tickets from a seller, it is recommended that you pay with a credit card. This will give you the ability to dispute the charge if something goes wrong.

  • Don’t provide personal information: Be wary of any seller who asks for personal information such as your social security number or bank account information.

  • Be cautious of online ticket brokers: Many online ticket brokers offer Super Bowl tickets, but be cautious of those who are offering tickets at significantly reduced prices.

What to do if you’ve been targeted by a Super Bowl ticket scam

If you have fallen victim to a Super Bowl ticket scam, it’s important to take immediate action. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Report the scam to the appropriate authorities: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

  • Contact your bank or credit card company: If you paid for the tickets with a credit card, contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge.

  • File a police report: File a police report with the local authorities. This will help to deter future scams and may also lead to the arrest of the person responsible.

  • Spread the word: Let others know about your experience so they can protect themselves from similar scams.

Super Bowl ticket scams are a growing problem and pose a significant risk to fans who are eager to attend the event. By being aware of the warning signs and taking the necessary steps to protect yourself, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to a Super Bowl ticket scam.

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