Football fans looking to attend this year’s Super Bowl are advised to use caution when purchasing tickets and vacation packages. Beware of phony tickets sales, Craigslist scams and deceptive Super Bowl air travel ads.
An ABC news affiliate out of Minneapolis has reported that more than a dozen police reports were filed regarding tickets purchased for the Vikings-Cowboys game last Sunday. Fans were turned away at the gates because their tickets were phony.
The BBB in New Orleans has already received a complaint about a Craigslist ad that required wire-transfer funds in exchange for Super Bowl tickets.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is also warning about Super Bowl air travel ticket scams. Its Web site states, “Air travelers going to Super Bowl XLIV this year should be aware that not all tour packages include a ticket to the Feb. 7 game in Miami”. Fans should read promotions very carefully and determine what all is included before making a purchase. Fans should also do their homework to make sure that if tickets are included, they are secure and all other aspects of the package are fair and not over-priced or inadequate.
Your BBB offers the following advice to anyone interesting in attending the Super Bowl:
· If you decide to purchase tickets through a ticket broker, verify the company’s report at www.denver.bbb.org, and find out what means the company has to verify that the tickets are legit.
· At this time, Ticketmaster’s NFL Ticket Exchange is promoted as the only NFL approved ticket exchange. You will want to ensure that if you choose to purchase tickets, they have a way to validate that the tickets are legitimate. Be aware that tickets may sell for significantly over their face value in many situations.
· If purchasing a travel package, check out the travel company with your BBB.
· Use caution when purchasing tickets from individuals on eBay or Craigslist. It is best to only purchase from local sellers and to physically pick up the tickets rather than have them mailed.
· Do not wire transfer funds or send cash to anyone offering to sell tickets.
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About BBB
The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Reliability ReportsTM on businesses and BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM on charities, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit www.denver.bbb.org for more information.
