Football fans are being urged to use caution in their online transactions to buy tickets for Super Bowl LX, taking place in Santa Clara, Calif.
On Sunday, Feb. 8 the Seattle Seahawks will play the New England Patriots in the biggest football game of the year.
While it’s a joyous, fantastic event for fans, people can need to avoid falling victim to ticket scams.
“We all enjoy going to live shows and games to see our favorite artists or sports teams, but unfortunately scammers prey on our excitement,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement.
If you see hawking – or suspicious ticket reselling – protect yourself by following the tips from Bonta’s office:
- Purchase tickets from authorized vendors: When possible, always purchase your tickets directly from official websites to confirm the ticket’s authenticity.
- Know the refund policy: Before purchasing third-party resale tickets, look into the reseller’s refund policy and whether they offer a guarantee regarding the authenticity and timely arrival of the tickets.
- Protect your personal information: Never provide personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number to prevent financial loss and fraud.
- Verify the web address safety: Double-check the website URL by ensuring the link starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon to ensure your credit card and billing information remain safe.
- Do your research: Search for online reviews regarding the seller and any potential customer complaints for prior scams.
- Use secure payment methods: Use your credit card to ensure that you have an opportunity to dispute fraudulent charges. Avoid using instant payment platforms such as Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App, or you could risk never getting your money back. Don’t pay for tickets with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Demands for payment using those methods are a strong warning sign of a scam.
- Be wary of overly discounted tickets: Be extra cautious with low-priced and/or hard-to-get tickets. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If you have fallen victim to a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, submit a complaint. You can file a report with the Attorney General’s Office in your state, Better Business Bureau, and FBI’s Internet Complaint Center.
Enjoy the game. We in the Seattle area are thrilled about the Seahawks playing in the Super Bowl.
Photo credit: Melissa Doroquez
