With all the excitement surrounding the 2020 Super Bowl on Sunday, February 2nd, scammers will be eager to take advantage of unsuspecting fans.
Year after year, the Super Bowl has always been an event where scams are recurrent. With so many fans looking to support their team, it’s the perfect money-making opportunity for scammers.
Better Business Bureau warns those participating in the celebration of this year’s Super Bowl to play defensively when purchasing tickets, hotel rooms, and NFL merchandise.
Tickets. At this point in the game, coming across tickets to the Super Bowl may require going through sellers and brokers – and people need to be cautious when doing so. If you need to go through a seller or a broker to buy your tickets to the Super Bowl, make sure to look them up on BBB.org to see what other customers have experienced. It’s also a good idea to check if they are a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB). NATB members offer a 200% guarantee on tickets that don’t arrive in time for a game, concert or show.
Other tips to keep in mind when shopping for tickets are:
- Know the difference between a ticket broker (a legitimate and accredited reseller) and a ticket scalper (an unregulated and unlicensed ticket seller).
- Look for secure websites when buying tickets. Look for a website with the padlock on the page and ‘https’ at the start of the page’s web address.
- Ask the seller where he or she is located. Also, ask how he or she can be contacted after the sale. If the seller is elusive, don’t pursue the offer.
- Ask for a picture of the tickets so you can confirm the tickets match the venue. Check out the seats ahead of time to avoid obstructed view seats or seats that do not exist.
- Always use a credit card so you have some recourse if the tickets are not as promised. Never wire money or pay with a cashier’s check. You’ll have no way of getting your tickets or money back.
Hotels. This year’s Super Bowl will be hosted in Miami, Florida — a commute that many fans will make. If buying tickets for the big game is out of the question, the second best move for fans looking to support their team would be to rent a hotel room in the area. Look for BBB accredited hotels in Miami to find last-minute bookings you can trust. If renting a car, there are reputable BBB rated businesses in your area you should consider (see our BBB tips on renting a car). Lastly, when picking out a restaurant for dining and watching the game, let BBB rated venues in Miami (or your area) quarterback your experience.
Merchandise. There’s a high demand for NFL merchandise during the playoffs, and consumers become desperate to not only find the exact item they are looking for, but to find it at a reasonable price. Scammers are known to sell fake merchandise from third-party websites that they bank on consumers to turn to once popular apparel starts running out in particular sizes. See our tips for smart shopping online.
For fans looking to purchase jerseys and other merchandise for the Super Bowl this year, make sure to shop with a legitimate business. Visit an accredited sporting goods store or shop directly on the NFL website.
For more tips on buying tickets to events like the Super Bowl, see our BBB Tips for Buying Tickets.
If you believe you have purchased a counterfeit ticket, immediately report it to the NATB at 630-510-4594 and file a complaint with your local BBB at contact your local BBB. You can also report the scam on BBB Scam Tracker.
For more information and businesses you can trust, visit us at BBB.org and like us on Facebook. Huddling with the BBB before spending your money is always a good idea.
