NEW YORK, NY –Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today issued a consumer alert to help consumers avoid potential ticket scams ahead of the New York Mets and New York Yankees both appearing in the Major League Baseball playoffs. The Mets will be in the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and the Yankees are appearing in the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The expected demand for tickets will make these playoff games a prime target for scammers. Attorney General Schneiderman’s consumer protection tips are intended to help New Yorkers avoid scams and to encourage anyone who believes they are the victim of a scam to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.
“New Yorkers have much to be excited about with both the Mets and the Yankees in the playoffs,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Fans should follow a few simple steps to avoid falling victim to scammers who may target ticket buyers for the big games.”
Scammers often target major sporting events and concerts to rip off consumers. When the Super Bowl was played in New York City, hundreds of fake tickets and tens of millions of dollars in counterfeit merchandise were seized by law enforcement officials. In addition to counterfeit tickets, scammers can potentially sell home-printed tickets to multiple consumers or sell original tickets that have been voided because they have already been re-sold via online ticket re-selling websites.
When purchasing tickets for events, consumers should:
First, check to see if the venue, sports team, or event has tickets for sale. The New York Mets are encouraging fans to register for the potential opportunity to purchase postseason game tickets on their website and the New York Yankees are currently selling tickets to the AL Wild Card game on their website.
Be wary of ticket prices that are too good to be true and of any high-pressure sales tactics. Ask questions of the seller to verify that the tickets are legitimate. Ask to see their proof of purchase. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Avoid paying for tickets by cash, wire transfer or pre-paid money transfer. If the tickets turn out to be fake, it is highly unlikely you will get your money back. If you pay by credit card or PayPal and the tickets turn out to be fake, you can dispute the charge.
If you buy from a ticket broker, it is best to buy from brokers operating pursuant to a New York state license, and check out its reputation first through the Better Business Bureau and consumer complaint sites. Tickets from reputable brokers may be expensive, but they may come with added protections. For example, some brokers will provide replacement tickets or full refunds if the tickets turn out to be fake.