Arrest Made In 'Go Ravens' Super Bowl Ticket Scam
HAYWARD (CBS SF) - The Alameda County Sheriff's Office announced an arrest Wednesday in a scam that cost an East Bay couple nearly $6,000 for nonexistent tickets to the Super Bowl.
In January, the Osgood family found four seats to the 49ers-Ravens matchup for sale on Craigslist through an individual claiming to be a Baltimore season ticketholder. The cost seemed fair – $5,900, about double the original price.
After talking the deal out through text and email messages, the Hayward couple wired the funds cross country. When the package arrived from the seller, all it contained was a printed note that said ""Enjoy the game!!!! Go Ravens!!! LOL."
What made the scam particularly noteworthy is that the scammer took the time to send the phony envelope and even included a return address.
On Tuesday, officers from the Coral Springs Police Department in Florida arrested Robert Pham on a warrant for Felony Theft by False Pretences, according to Sergeant J.D. Nelson.
Super Bowl Ticket Scammer Arrested
Sgt. J.D. Nelson said the arrest came after a two-month investigation by the property crimes unit. The big break came when investigators found a social security number linked the Craigslist account.
"Once we were able to get the security number, we were able to get the real name, real date of birth, and real driver's license," Nelson said. "Unfortunately the driver's license was linked to 15 different addresses in Florida."
Investigators had Pham's shell accounts frozen and arrested him after he called the bank.
"Obviously we were affecting his money," Nelson said.
Pham is now in Broward County jail on a felony charge, but Nelson said he may be prosecuted in California.
"This also to prevent this guy from doing this going forward," he said.
The Osgoods, 49er season ticket holders, were eventually offered tickets to the game from both the niners and Ticketmaster.
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