Super Bowl Scams On The Rise

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL…. scams?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) publicly announced a warning to consumers this week to be on high alert for super bowl scams; specifically knock-off team jerseys, counterfeit memorabilia and phony game tickets.

Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus states, “there are three good reasons not to buy counterfeit goods: theft, quality and security.” She continues, “Counterfeit items are stolen goods. If you love your team, don’t buy a hat or jersey from someone who has stolen the team’s name and logo for their own profit. And counterfeit items are almost always more cheaply made, which means they won’t last as long as the real thing.”

Many BBB’s across the country have already reported fake websites that don’t even sell merchandise but rather just want to get your credit card number and personal information in order to steal your identity and gain access to your funds.

The best way to avoid these scams is to buy merchandise directly from your preferred team’s website (more specifically, nflshop.com – pictured below) or from retailers where you can see in person that the items are officially licensed.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in your team’s stadium make a purchase from a vendor there! Or, if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the stadium of the Super Bowl from a vendor there!

Speaking of being at the Super Bowl, be wary of ticket scams. Right now there are thousands of game day tickets listed on Craig’s List, but with no guarantees of any kind and lacking identification of ticket listers. Also, be warned that many scalpers and scammers will be outside of the stadium on game day trying to rip you off.

The BBB recommends turning to sites like Stub Hub that guarantee a ticket’s authenticity. As of January 23 there were 2,800 tickets available for sale through the website (starting at $2,450 a pop). Ticketmaster also handles ticket exchanges for the NFL and had over 800 tickets starting at $2,864 on Wednesday – Source.

If you have been scammed and would like to file a scam report, please click here.