Dallas, TX, October 25, 2010 -- Now that the Texas Rangers are finally in the World Series, fans who want to see a game in person are scrambling for tickets. The Better Business Bureau warns fans to beware of ticket scams.
“Having the Texas Rangers in the World Series is thrilling, and tickets are getting hard to come by,” said Jeannette Kopko, spokesperson for the BBB serving Dallas and Northeast Texas. “Consumers need to be careful with ticket purchases, especially online, because scammers may take advantage of the high demand.”
The opportunity for sports fans to be scammed is highest when buying tickets online from individuals through online auctions, classifieds and bulletin boards. Consumers can be burned either by buying counterfeit tickets or paying in advance for tickets that never arrive.
Here are some tips to help make sure you get to have fun at a World Series game instead of getting taken:
• Deal with a reputable company that has a track record with ticket sales and a secure payment method. Look for the BBB Accredited Business seal on the company’s Web site, and check out the business with the BBB at www.bbb.org.
• When dealing with a ticket re-seller or broker, make sure you know what guarantee, if any, is offered in case the tickets are counterfeit or you don’t receive them.
• When buying from an online seller, pay only through a secure online payment service or credit card. If you have a problem, you can dispute the charge with the payment service or credit card company.
• Don’t send money to an online seller by wire, such as MoneyGram or Western Union. Scammers use this method to get money up front but never deliver tickets.
• Avoid paying cash. You may have no way of getting your money back if you don’t get the tickets or they’re counterfeit.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It’s a red flag if you’re being offered tickets at a price far below the face value or going rate.
To check out a business with the BBB, get lists of BBB Accredited Businesses, or file a complaint, start at www.bbb.org.
About the BBB
The Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Dallas, Inc., is an independent, non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides services for both BBB Accredited Businesses and non-accredited businesses. BBB services include BBB Reliability Reports® on businesses, complaint resolution services, advertising review, and information on topics affecting marketplace trust. The BBB serving Dallas and Northeast Texas was founded in 1920 and is one of 124 BBBs serving the U.S. and Canada. The BBB System evaluates and monitors more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information.
