Sports Ticket Scams During Football Season: How to Avoid Getting Benched by Fraud | USSFCU | Washington, D.C. - Alexandria VA - Bethesda, MD

Sports Ticket Scams During Football Season: How to Avoid Getting Benched by Fraud

Published: September 4, 2025

Sports Ticket Scams During Football Season: How to Avoid Getting Benched by Fraud

Fall means football—and whether you’re cheering for your college team or catching an NFL matchup, nothing beats the energy of being there in person. Unfortunately, scammers know the demand for tickets is sky-high during football season, and they use fraudulent resale sites and fake listings to take advantage of eager fans.

How Ticket Scams Work

Scammers often create fake websites, social media posts, or online marketplace listings offering hard-to-get or discounted tickets. Once buyers send payment, the tickets turn out to be counterfeit—or never arrive at all. Some fraudsters even sell the same fake ticket to multiple fans.

Safe Buying Practices for Fans

Stick to official sources: Buy tickets directly from the team’s official website, the league’s authorized sellers, or well-known ticket marketplaces with verified guarantees.
Watch for deals too good to be true: If a ticket is significantly below market value, it’s likely a scam.
Check the URL carefully: Fake resale websites often mimic legitimate ones with slight spelling changes.
Use secure payment methods: Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or apps like Venmo for strangers—these offer little to no protection. Use a credit card whenever possible for fraud dispute rights.
Verify the seller: If you’re buying secondhand, request proof of purchase and transfer tickets through the team or league’s official ticketing system.

What to Do if You’re Scammed

If you believe you purchased fraudulent tickets, report it immediately to your bank or credit card company. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and alert the venue or team.

Football season should be about touchdowns—not getting tricked. By following safe buying practices, you can protect your wallet and enjoy the game stress-free.

Article content is provided for information purposes only.

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