Pennsylvania Attorney General Bruce Beemer says the state’s college football fans should be on the lookout for potential bowl game ticket and travel package scams.
The commonwealth’s three FBS programs are all headed to bowl games. Penn State plays USC on Jan. 2 in the Rose Bowl; Pitt takes on Northwestern in the Dec. 28 Pinstripe Bowl; and Temple faces Wake Forest in the Dec. 27 Military Bowl.
Beemer said in a release on Wednesday that in the past the Bureau of Consumer Protection has received complaints about ‘underhanded ticket sellers, questionable travel packages and counterfeit tickets.’
‘Fan enthusiasm can serve as a good cover for con artists who are trying to take advantage of consumers for financial gain,” Beemer said. “It is important for people to know the pitfalls to avoid when purchasing tickets to sporting events.’
To avoid ticket-related scams, the bureau advises consumers to:
– Purchase tickets from a reputable seller.
– Never wire-transfer money to individuals you do not know.
– Make sure the location of your seats corresponds with actual seat numbers, rows and sections in the stadium.
– Understand the terms and conditions of the sale when purchasing tickets online or from ticket brokers.
– Consider using a credit card to pay for tickets so that charges can be disputed if the tickets are not delivered or turn out to be counterfeit.
When purchasing travel packages, the bureau advises:
– Pay close attention to what the travel package does and does not offer. Do not assume that every package includes airfare, hotel and game tickets.
– Get all the offers, terms and conditions of the package in writing, including the cancellation policy.
– Research the hotel and its location.
– Do not use cash or wire-transfer money.
– Be wary of unknown and private sellers who refuse to provide verifiable contact information.
– Be cautious of travel packages that seem either extremely cheap or extremely expensive.
Complaints and reports of illegal activity can be filed through Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555 or online at www.attorneygeneral.gov.
