Michigan AG issues reminders against fraudulent purchases of NFL tickets
(CBS DETROIT) - Tickets to Detroit Lions playoff games are highly prized, but the Michigan attorney general's office urges fans to take precautions that fraud is not part of any such purchase.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a press release that those who are in the market for tickets to the NFL playoff games should become familiar with "the risks associated with online ticket purchases and how to best protect themselves."
The Lions have won the NFC North title, and will host the Washington Commanders Saturday night at Ford Field.
"As we aim to make Ford Field an unbelievable atmosphere, it's important to be aware of scammers trying to take advantage of your excitement," Nessel said. "If you're buying tickets to the divisional round, and hopefully the championship round, at Ford Field, make sure they are authentic, not just screenshots of bogus tickets. Staying alert will help protect you and your wallet."
To help prevent problems, fans should buy from a reputable website vendor, use a credit card for financial protections, and look for the secured website signs when making purchases online.
The AG's office explained a common payment scam involves peer-to-peer money apps such as Apple Pay, Cash App, PayPay or Venmo. These services require both parties to have an active account that is connected to a bank account or credit card, and the electronic money transfers happen instantly once approved.
Transactions via payment app services "require an extra degree of caution," the office said.
There may be scam or fraud attempts, given the following signs:
- Someone impersonating a bank may direct you to send money to yourself or reverse a transaction. A bank will not tell you to send money to anyone through such a service.
- Someone may claim to represent a fraud department or merchant and ask to confirm personal financial information such as bank account number or Social Security number. Do not share this information; it may be used to create a new P2P profile and gain access to your bank accounts.
- A spoofed email may warn that an account is about to be suspended and ask for a password. The payment app services will not ask for a password unless you are on the login page.
The AG's office also said to be alert for fake check scams, in which someone is asked to deposit a check toward a purchase and refund the difference. If that check turns out to be counterfeit, the seller is scammed out of the money.
For additional information from the AG's office on this topic, go to its Online Ticket Purchasing consumer alert page.