ALBANY, NY (May 20, 2025) — As the New York Knicks prepare for Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, Governor Kathy Hochul is urging fans to stay vigilant against ticket scams. The Knicks’ first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years has sparked high demand, creating an opportunity for scammers to exploit eager fans.
“As the Knicks continue their incredible run, I understand the excitement and pride fans across New York are feeling — it’s electric,” Hochul said. “But I want to remind everyone: don’t let that excitement make you a target. Be cautious when buying tickets and only use trusted sources. Scammers are out there, and we won’t let them take advantage of our fans.”
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection has issued tips to help consumers avoid fraudulent ticket purchases. Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley emphasized the heightened risk, stating, “With the Knicks heading to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, excitement for fans is through the roof, but so is the risk of scams.”
State Senator Rachel May, Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee, echoed the warning: “It’s important for fans looking for tickets to be vigilant and aware of potential scams.” Assemblymember Nily Rozic added, “While we cannot wait to see the Knicks-In-Four, it’s equally important that fans are not sidelined by scammers looking to take advantage of the moment.”
To protect themselves, consumers are advised to purchase tickets directly from the venue or trusted vendors, avoiding platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Fans should verify seller details, including physical addresses and phone numbers, and check ticket legitimacy through resources like VerifiedTicketSource.com. The Division of Consumer Protection also recommends using credit cards for purchases, as they offer better fraud protection than payment apps or cash.
Scammers often lure buyers with low prices or redirect them to fake payment platforms, so consumers should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. For digital tickets, using strong passwords is critical to prevent account hacking. Fans opting to stream the game should monitor free trial periods to avoid unexpected subscription charges, as New York State law mandates clear disclosure of renewal terms.
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection offers mediation services through its Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220, available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Complaints can be filed anytime at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.