Experts issue major warning about Super Bowl ticket scams — here’s how to stay safe
The Super Bowl, one of the biggest sporting events of the year, is right around the corner. Fans are hyped to see the Chicago Bears take on the Los Angeles Rams, and even those who might not be all that into the sport are hyped for the musical performances by artists like Bad Bunny and Green Day. All of this makes the ticketing situation a scammer’s dream, and those looking to buy tickets are being urged to be careful.
Earlier this year, CBS News published a report that explained how one could protect oneself from such ticketing scams. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued the warning and urged fans to look out for specific details. Firstly, if one wishes to buy tickets from a third-party app or website, reading its reviews before doing so is crucial.
It is better to buy tickets from either the venue or from the app or website of the league and the teams. Of course, third-party services may provide a discounted price, but it might come with a catch. Secondly, one has to take a look at the URL of the website they are purchasing tickets from. It must start with ‘https’ and have a lock symbol on the address bar. Fake websites can trick people into entering their credit card details, and we all know how things turn out after that.
Potential buyers have also been asked to be wary of Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other free online listings. Such open digital marketplaces are often filled with scammers looking to make a quick buck. These scammers often upload a professional-looking ticket with a barcode and everything, but that doesn’t mean they’re fake. A lot of times, scammers will use the photograph of a real ticket to lure customers in.
The report also urges buyers to use protected payment methods, especially a credit card. In that case, even if one is scammed, there is a chance they will get their money back. However, debit cards, wire transfers, or simple cash transactions mean that your money is gone for good. The report also urged buyers not use apps like Zelle, CashApp, and Venmo for such purchases.
The NFL has been promoting mobile ticketing for a long time now, and has answered several FAQs about the process. It is perhaps the best way at the moment to be protected from scams. Fraud in the US is substantial, with the FTC reporting that in 2024, reported losses to fraud stood at $12.5 billion. “The data we’re releasing today shows that scammers’ tactics are constantly evolving,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC is monitoring those trends closely and working hard to protect the American people from fraud.”
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