When buying Super Bowl tickets or merchandise, consumers should stick to websites they trust. Do not click on banner ads or pop-ups and don’t buy tickets from a seller you don’t know.
State Attorney General Josh Shapiro and his Bureau of Consumer Protection are warning Pennsylvanians to be alert for scams when buying Super Bowl LII tickets or other products relating to the event.
Consumers and sports fans can be scammed and end up buying fraudulent tickets or products without realizing it.
“Everyone enjoys the Super Bowl, and in Pennsylvania, we are all excited the Philadelphia Eagles are heading to the big game,” Shapiro said. “However, big sporting events like the Super Bowl also attract scam artists, and my Bureau of Consumer Protection will protect consumers if something goes wrong with their ticket purchases.”
Shapiro and the Bureau are asking Pennsylvania consumers to follow these tips when buying Super Bowl tickets or Super Bowl-related merchandise:
• Do not click on banner ads or pop-ups on a legitimate website (like StubHub or Ticketmaster) that may take you to a different website.
• Stick to websites you are familiar with, and read the URL of the website you visit. Scam artists often make minor changes to an actual website’s URL to bring a false sense of legitimacy to the website. Look for spelling or grammatical mistakes.
• Don’t buy tickets from a seller you don’t know. Always try to conduct any ticket purchase in a safe, well-lit area, such as a police station.
• Consumers should use their credit cards when possible to protect themselves from scammers and fraud. Avoid payment by gift card, money order or money transfers, especially over the phone.
“Enjoy the Super Bowl by all means, but don’t get ‘played’ by a scam artist,” Shapiro said. “Fly Eagles Fly! On the road to victory!”
Pennsylvanians who believe they have been victims of a Super Bowl ticket, travel service or merchandise scam can file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800–441–2555 or scams@attorneygeneral.gov
The Bureau of Consumer Protection also advises that if you have made an unfulfilled purchase with your credit card, to contact the credit card company and dispute the charge immediately. ••
