Crunch time for Grey Cup ticket scammers
The hottest ticket in town is for this weekend’s Grey Cup and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns fans to avoid the risk of getting ripped off if you decide to gamble on a less than reputable source for tickets.
“It is crunch time for scammers to get up to their usual tricks with counterfeit or bogus tickets,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Scammers know what the hot tickets are and search out fans who are so excited that they might not recognize the signs of a scam.”
To avoid getting ripped off buying event tickets, BBB lists these red flags:
Believing you’re that lucky – The reason tickets are expensive is because they’re hard to get and the chances of you getting lucky and finding a deal are slim. If a situation sounds too good to be true, such as someone selling tickets to a popular event for much less than offered elsewhere, it’s probably not on the level.
Wiring money to someone you don’t know – Never wire money to someone you do not know. When buying tickets online through a secure website (the web address should begin with "https://") ideally pay with a credit card because of the consumer protections provided.
Not doing your research – If buying online, ask to see a picture of the tickets so you can confirm the seats match up with the venue. If your friends already have tickets, you can also make sure they look the same as the ones you want to buy. Search for guidance online about how the tickets should look.
Buying from scalpers at the event - Buying tickets outside the venue can be a game of roulette. You might get taken to the cleaners or the seats may not be just as advertised.
Choosing a disreputable online ticket broker – When purchasing tickets through an online broker check them out online at www.mbc.bbb.org. Review the company’s policy for customer satisfaction and what happens if tickets purchased through their site are fake or not as advertised.
For more advice on spending your money wisely and not getting ripped off, visit www.bbb.org/us/Consumer-Tips/