With the popularity of the NFL, fake tickets are unfortunately common. Fans spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on tickets, only to show up on game day and be denied entry because their tickets are counterfeit. Verifying tickets are real and authentic is crucial before buying them. Here are some tips on how to make sure the NFL tickets you buy are legitimate.
Purchase from Reputable Sellers
The best way to ensure your tickets are real is to buy from trustworthy, authorized sellers. The NFL has several official ticket partners like Ticketmaster and Stubhub that sell verified, authentic tickets. Purchasing from the team’s box office or directly from the NFL ticket exchange is also guaranteed safe. Avoid buying tickets from unknown third party sellers, classified ads, Craigslist, eBay, or scalpers, as the tickets may be fake or reported stolen.
Check Security Features
Authentic NFL tickets have several security features that can be checked to verify legitimacy. The tickets should have the official NFL and team logos and colors. There will be a barcode, QR code, hologram, and seat info that can all be cross-referenced and scanned for validity. The ticket should feel thick, high quality, and made of cardstock. Examine the fonts, images, and wording to ensure they look professional. Fake tickets will often lack crisp graphics, show blurry images, and have spelling errors.
Call Ticket Office for Verification
If you have any doubts or questions about the validity of a ticket, call the team’s box office. Give them the ticket barcode or QR code and ask them to verify the seat location, date, and authenticity. If the ticket is fake, they will let you know. You can also call StubHub or Ticketmaster if you purchased from them to validate the tickets through their systems.
Buy Well in Advance of Event
Purchasing tickets as far in advance as possible gives you more time to validate legitimacy. Avoid buying right before the event, as scammers often sell last minute fake tickets since they know fans are desperate. Leaving plenty of time gives you the ability to thoroughly vet the source, check security features, and get the tickets verified.
Meet in Person for Exchange
When buying from individual third party sellers, arrange to meet in person and exchange the tickets for cash. This allows you to physically examine the tickets for authenticity before paying. Beware of sellers who seem reluctant to meet or only agree to an online money transfer. An unwillingness to do a face-to-face exchange could signal the tickets are fake.
Get Certificates of Authenticity
Ask the seller to provide a certificate of authenticity or receipt from the original ticket source. These help prove the tickets are real and purchased from an authorized dealer. While certificates can also be forged, they are still helpful indicators of legitimacy.
Checking Online Ticket Marketplaces
Big online ticket marketplaces like StubHub and Vivid Seats sell verified tickets, but scammers can still take advantage of these sites occasionally. Here are some tips when buying tickets through online exchanges:
Buy from Reputable Marketplaces
Stick to major, well-known third party sellers like Stubhub and Ticketmaster. Avoid lesser known sites, as their verification processes may be lacking. Research reviews and complaints before using a marketplace you aren’t familiar with.
Check the Seller’s Rating
Examine how long the seller has been on the site and their percentage of positive versus negative reviews. A high rating from numerous reviews indicates a reputable seller. Be wary of new sellers with no review history.
Read the Ticket Details Carefully
Scrutinize the ticket listing for any language like “similar view” or “comparable seat”, which means you may not get the exact seat on the ticket. These types of listings tend to signal questionable tickets.
Buy StubHub’s “Verified Resale” Tickets
Stubhub offers a “Verified Resale” ticket option where they put tickets through a verification process to ensure authenticity. Purchasing these tickets comes with a guarantee from StubHub.
Understand the Marketplace’s Refund Policy
In case you do receive fake tickets, know whether you are covered by the marketplace’s refund policy. StubHub and most major exchanges will reimburse you the cost if the tickets end up being fraudulent.
Use Digital Tickets When Possible
Purchasing digital tickets through the marketplace app provides an extra layer of security, as they can’t be lost or counterfeited. The barcode can only be scanned at the venue with the purchaser’s ID.
Evaluating Tickets from Resellers
Here are some tips when buying NFL tickets from individual resellers like sellers on Craigslist, message boards, or scalpers:
Meet in Person Before Paying
Never pay a reseller without meeting them first and seeing the tickets in person. This gives you a chance to thoroughly inspect the tickets and walk away risk-free if they appear suspicious.
Ask Detailed Questions
Inquire how and when the seller obtained the tickets. Were they season ticket holders who couldn’t attend? Did they get them from the team box office? Get specifics, not just vague answers.
Examine Tickets Closely
Check for distinct security features like holograms, seat info, barcode, and watermarks. Make sure images and logos are crisp and colors are accurate. Fake tickets will look washed out and pixelated.
Beware of Ridiculously Low Prices
Extremely low ticket prices far below face value are a red flag. Why would the seller offer authentic tickets for $20 when the face value is $500? Chances are the tickets are fraudulent.
Search Online for Ticket Number
Search the ticket number online to see if any posts appear reporting it lost, stolen or counterfeit. You may find warnings to avoid purchasing that particular ticket.
Only Meet at a Safe Public Location
Refuse offers to meet in a private location. Insist on a busy, public place like a coffee shop in the daytime. This reduces the risk of getting scammed or robbed.
Using Caution on Auction Sites
Auction sites like eBay provide less buyer protection than major ticket marketplaces. Use these precautions when bidding on event tickets:
Research the Seller Thoroughly
Check their feedback rating, number of reviews, how long they’ve been on eBay, and what other items they sell. Legitimate sellers will have long, positive histories selling similar items.
Ask About Ticket Origins
Inquire with the seller about where, when, and how they obtained the tickets. See if the story makes sense or changes when asked repeatedly.
Meet Face-to-Face Before Bidding
Try to arrange a meeting to inspect the tickets first rather than blindly bidding. If not possible, at least meet before paying after winning the auction.
Avoid Suspicious Listings
Use caution when listings have stock images rather than photos of the actual tickets. Also beware bids way above the tickets’ face value, which may signal a scam.
Scrutinize Ticket Images
Save any images of the tickets the seller posts and magnify them. Check for any signs of alteration, defects, or other indications of fraud.
Use Caution with New Sellers
Be extra wary of sellers with zero or low feedback ratings. Check how long they’ve been an eBay member to gauge trustworthiness.
Pay Safely
Avoid wire transfers, prepaid cards, and other non-reversible payment methods. Use PayPal Goods and Services so you can dispute the charges if the tickets are fake.
Safely Buying from Unknown Sellers
Sometimes you may have no choice but to buy from an unknown seller without verification. Here are some tips to reduce your risk:
Agree to Conditional Payment
Propose payment only after successfully entering the venue. Make the seller confident by suggesting collateral like an ID you’ll temporarily surrender.
Only Meet in a Public Place
Choose a busy, well-lit location like a coffee shop or bank. Refuse offers to meet in a secluded place. Conduct the exchange during daytime hours.
Go With Your Instincts
If the seller seems evasive, hurried, or nervous, walk away. Don’t ignore red flags even if the tickets look legit.
Take a Friend as a Witness
Having a companion with you protects against theft or coercion. They can also serve as an objective second opinion on the tickets.
Check Tickets Before Paying
Thoroughly inspect the tickets yourself first, then have your companion double check as well. Look for any defects or errors.
Take Precautions With Payment
Use a traceable payment method that charges the seller upon ticket verification at the venue. Avoid cash, wire transfers, and non-reversible payments.
Verify Tickets Immediately
Go straight to the venue box office after purchase to validate. Don’t wait until game day.
How to Spot Fake Tickets
Learning the signs of counterfeit tickets can help avoid getting scammed by fraudsters. Here are some red flags:
Generic Logos and Images
Authentic NFL tickets feature crisp, clear logos and images. Fake ones often have more generic symbols and blurry, pixelated artwork.
Spelling Errors
Counterfeiters frequently misspell words, names, and other text on fake tickets. Authentic NFL tickets do not contain typos.
Low Quality Materials
Genuine tickets feel thicker and are printed on higher grade paper or cardstock. Fake tickets tend to be flimsy and made of plain paper.
Incorrect Seat Numbers
Scammers may print the wrong seat info that doesn’t match the stadium’s layout. Real NFL tickets have accurate seating assignments.
Altered Barcodes
Fraudsters try to alter and reuse real ticket barcodes. Signs include damaged, faded, or improperly aligned barcodes.
No Ticket Number
Each authentic ticket has a unique serial number. Fake tickets will often lack a ticket number altogether.
Prices Too Good to Be True
Very low ticket prices far under face value are almost always a sign of counterfeits being sold by scammers.
Generic Ticket Market
Tickets purchased through untrustworthy markets have higher fraud likelihood. Stick to major, reputable exchanges.
Seller Unwilling to Meet In Person
Legitimate resellers will readily meet face-to-face for ticket inspection before buying. Scammers tend to resist.
Staying Safe Buying NFL Tickets
Here are some general tips for safely buying authentic NFL tickets:
Start Planning and Research Early
Begin your search weeks or months in advance. Rushing increases the risk of fraud. Take time to thoroughly vet sources.
Be Wary of Online Classifieds
Exercise caution when buying tickets on Craigslist, eBay, or message boards where scammers operate. Insist on seeing the tickets first before paying.
Only Buy from Established Sellers
Purchase directly from the NFL ticket exchange or authorized partners like Ticketmaster and StubHub whenever possible.
Beware of Scams Involving Wire Transfers
Never agree to wire money for tickets. Scammers often insist on it because wires can’t be reversed.
Use Mobile Ticket Transfers Safely
When transferring digital tickets to your account, only use official team and NFL ticket partner apps. Avoid random third party apps.
Consider Ticket Insurance
Some ticket marketplaces like Vivid Seats offer ticket insurance for coverage if your tickets end up being fake or you can’t attend.
Don’t Be Lured by Urgency
A high pressure sales tactic or claim that tickets are scarce makes fraud more likely. Take your time and don’t be rushed into buying.
What to Do if Sold Fake Tickets
If you end up in possession of counterfeit tickets, here are some steps to take:
Contact Seller and Marketplace Immediately
Notify the seller and ticket marketplace (if purchased through one) about the fraudulent tickets ASAP. See if they will refund the purchase.
Dispute the Charges
If you paid by credit card or a service like PayPal, quickly dispute the charges. Provide evidence showing the tickets are fake.
Report the Seller
File complaints about the seller to sites like the Better Business Bureau and marketplace administrators so others don’t get defrauded.
Consult With Legal Counsel
An attorney can advise you on options like suing the seller or pressing criminal charges for ticket fraud.
Warn Other Buyers
Post about the fraudulent tickets on fan forums, marketplace reviews, and Craigslist to prevent the seller from scamming again.
Exchange Tickets if Possible
Some teams and venues will exchange counterfeit tickets for valid ones at face value. Check with the box office.
Buy Replacement Tickets
Your last resort is to purchase replacement tickets from a verified source, hopefully at a comparable or better seat location.
Conclusion
While fake NFL tickets are an unfortunate reality, consumers have many resources to avoid getting scammed. With prudence, research, and vigilance, fans can enjoy peace of mind knowing their tickets are guaranteed authentic. Following the tips outlined here will help ensure your game day experience goes smoothly with valid tickets securely in hand. Trust only authorized NFL partners or reputable sellers, meet in person when possible, and thoroughly check security features. Take your time, use common sense, and don’t let eagerness to buy cloud your judgment. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Wise fans exercise caution, patience, and care when acquiring tickets. Do your homework and you’ll avoid the heartbreak of counterfeit tickets turning game day into a nightmare.
