Each Super Bowl season, fans around the country eagerly look forward to the day when their favorite teams take to the field to fight for the title. Unfortunately, this excitement can turn quickly to disappointment when fans either realize they bought fake tickets or find out that the tickets they thought were real, are actually fake.
The Super Bowl is a high-ticketed event, and as such, scammers see the large demand for tickets combined with the fan base’s enthusiasm and willingness to shell out top dollar for fake tickets. Shedding light on fake tickets and how to spot them can protect Super Bowl fans against scams as they anticipate this biggest night in sports.
What are Super Bowl scams?
A Super Bowl ticket scam is an operation that takes advantage of the high demand for tickets to this heavily attended event. Scammers use a variety of methods to trick customers: they forge tickets; they create false sales portals online; and they use social engineering to look for their victims. Faked tickets can be easily identified by buyers as real.
But these scams aren’t just about tickets: Scammers create websites that look like real ticket websites, landing pages with details of the deal of a lifetime, that few fans can reject. Many of these sites serve a double purpose, gathering personal and financial details. The results are financial and emotional: fans might take an expensive trip only to be denied entry due to bogus tickets.
Super Bowl scams have become increasingly harder to detect and avoid, thanks to the sophisticated tools scammers use to replicate official tickets and documents. These fakes look so convincing that even careful buyers can be fooled. As these schemes grow more elaborate, the number of incidents continues to rise, fueled by the ever-growing demand for tickets year after year.
Where Scammers Target Fans with Fake Tickets
The high price of Super Bowl tickets makes them a prime target for scammers, who exploit every platform they can to turn a profit. While awareness campaigns and stricter security measures help limit fraud, there are still plenty of places where scammers prey on unsuspecting fans.
Social media platforms, especially Facebook, are a goldmine for scammers thanks to their massive user base. Scammers often use fake or hacked accounts to post too-good-to-be-true ticket deals, relying on a sense of urgency to pressure buyers into acting quickly without verifying the ticket’s authenticity.
Craigslist
Craigslist is another hotbed for scams due to its lack of seller verification and buyer protection. Scammers thrive here, offering deals so enticing—like heavily discounted Super Bowl tickets or high-value items—that buyers let their guard down. If you’re shopping on Craigslist, stay cautious and always verify the seller’s credibility.
How to Avoid Super Bowl Ticket Scams
Super Bowl season is also prime time for scammers, so if you’re planning to attend, staying vigilant is key. Here’s how to protect yourself from fake ticket sellers:
1. Stick to Official Sources
The safest way to buy tickets is through official websites or apps. The NFL partners with Ticketmaster, so you can trust tickets purchased there are genuine. Use tools like the WOT extension, which has a Safe Browsing feature to avoid dangerous or fraudulent sites. Always double-check URLs before entering personal information, and rely on official apps for buying and storing digital tickets.
2. Steer clear of purchasing tickets on social media
While social media is great for connecting with others, it’s a risky place to buy tickets. Scammers often use platforms like Facebook to advertise fake deals. Stick to trusted, recommended sites and avoid ticket purchases through social media entirely.
3. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true
Super Bowl tickets don’t come cheap, and deeply discounted offers are often scams. Scammers may create fake urgency, claiming a sudden need to sell or a limited-time offer. Stay cautious—legitimate sellers won’t offer huge discounts during such a high-demand event.
4. Check Seller Credentials
Research the seller thoroughly before making a purchase. Look for reviews, ratings, and past customer feedback. Reputable sellers will have a history of positive transactions. Avoid sellers who can’t provide references or seem suspicious, and prioritize buying through well-established platforms with strict vetting processes.WOT’s scorecards are a great tool for this, as users can see the rating of each website, and see how other WOT users ranked a website. According to ticketmaster.com’s scorecard, looks like it’s a safe website to buy from:
5. Use secure payment methods
Pay with credit cards, which offer buyer protection and fraud detection. Avoid cash, wire transfers, or bank payments—these methods provide no recourse if you’re scammed. Credit cards give you the best chance to recover your money if something goes wrong.
6. Verify ticket details through official channels
After buying tickets, confirm their authenticity with official sources like the NFL’s ticketing partners or the event venue. Double-check ticket details, such as seat numbers, ticket IDs, and event information, to ensure everything matches up and avoid issues on game day.
Stay Curious, Not Just Careful
Protecting yourself from scams isn’t just about caution—it’s about curiosity. Use website security tools like WOT to stay safe, verify your purchases, and ensure you’re on legitimate sites. If you come across any fraudulent activity, report it to the proper authorities to help keep others safe. With the right precautions, you can enjoy the Super Bowl without worry!
Read more about scams:
Top 10 Online Scams to Be Aware Of
Don’t Get Fooled: Top 11 Facebook Scams You Need to Know About
The Key Guide: How to Prevent Credit Card Fraud Successfully
Warning Signs and Strategies to Avoid Lottery Scams
Beware the Love Con: Top Valentine’s Day Scams to Avoid
FAQs
Why are scams so common around major events like the Super Bowl?
The combination of high ticket demand and sky-high prices creates the perfect opportunity for scammers to exploit the urgency and excitement surrounding the event.
What’s the best way to buy Super Bowl tickets?
The safest option is to purchase tickets through authorized channels like the NFL’s app or its official ticket reseller, Ticketmaster. These platforms guarantee genuine tickets.
Can ticket resale platforms be trusted?
Some resale marketplaces offer buyer protections and verify ticket authenticity, but it’s crucial to read reviews and check their reputation before proceeding.
What are common signs of a ticket scam?
Red flags include suspiciously low prices, vague excuses for discounts, or sellers who avoid providing full details. Always use a secure payment method and verify the seller’s credibility.
What should I do if I’ve been scammed?
Report the fraud to the authorities and contact your bank or credit card provider to block further transactions and potentially recover your money.