Thrifty Thinking: Super Bowl Ticket Fraud

Cybersecurity expert and founder of CyberScout, Adam Levin says "Fans are getting ready to see the big game, but they need to be on high alert for fraudsters looking to cash in on their fan frenzy.  Consumers need to watch out for ticket, merchandise and travel and hotel scams.  Don't fumble!  Follow these tips to make sure you don't get got."

Adam Levin advises to follow these tips to not get sacked:

• Purchase from the venue. Whenever possible, use the official ticket sales agent for the venue. Many now offer secondary sales options, as well. 
• Do Your Homework. Is the seller/broker legit? Look them up on bbb.org  to learn what other customers have experienced. Look for negative reviews. Check to see if they are a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers.
• Buy only from trusted vendors. Buy online only from vendors you know and trust. Look for the padlock symbol in the web address to indicate a secure purchasing system. Be on high alert for clone websites run by scammers looking to steal personal and financial information.
• Don't Fall for Phishing Emails or Pop Up Ads.  If you receive an email or see a pop up ad offering an amazing discount on tickets and it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.  Don't click on links or attachments which could install malware on your computer or mobile device.
• Know the refund policy. You should only purchase tickets from a ticket re-seller that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction. Sellers should disclose to the purchaser, prior to purchase, the location of the seats either over the phone or by way of a seating chart; and there should be a confirmation email or number associated with the ticket purchase.
• Use a Credit Card. Always use a credit card so you have some recourse if the tickets are not as promised. Debit cards, wire transfer or cash transactions are risky; if the tickets are fraudulent, you won’t be able to get your money back. 
• Never Trust. Always Verify. Pay a visit to the arena. Present your ticket to “Will Call” (customer service) and they can verify if your tickets are legitimate.
• Book hotels in the area using trusted sites.  Don't fall for fake booking sites that may be clone sites designed to steal your personal and finanncial information.
• Beware of of sites that offer heavy discounts on NFL merchandise.  Third party sites may offer heavily discounted merchandise, but if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.  Counterfeit NFL items are big business.   Buy merchandise from an accredited site or go to the NFL website directly.
• If you have been the victim of a ticket scam, immediately report it to the NATB.  For other scams, contact the FTC.

 Adam K. Levin is a consumer advocate with more than 30 years of experience and is a nationally recognized expert on cybersecurity, privacy, identity theft, fraud, and personal finance. A former Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Mr. Levin is Chairman and founder of CyberScout and co-founder of Credit.com.  Adam Levin is the author of Amazon Best Selling Book  Swiped:  How to Protect Yourself in a World Full of Scammers, Phishers and Identity Thieves.