Hoosiers Cautioned to Avoid Scammers as Football Season Kicks Off

Attorney General Todd Rokita reminds Hoosiers to take steps to avoid scammers' penalties during football season. Whether your team is at the college level or professional, be mindful of fake tickets and trick parking.

"Fall is just around the corner and that means football season is back. I encourage Hoosiers to be cautious before making any snap decisions to buy tickets or pay for parking," Rokita said. "Don't allow scammers to ruin your weekend or your team spirit. If you believe you've fallen victim to any type of scam, please contact my office to file a complaint."

During large sporting events, con artists are exceptionally prevalent and can fool even the most experienced fans. Scammers take advantage of fans by selling fake, duplicated, or nonexistent tickets. The most important thing to remember is if the deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Rokita offers the following tips to avoid scams to make sure you don't get tackled by fraudsters this season:

- Research the seller or broker with the Better Business Bureau and check membership in the National Association of Ticket Brokers.

- Know the refund policy. You should only purchase tickets from a ticket reseller that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction.

- Use payment methods that come with protection. Always use a credit card so you may have some recourse if the tickets are not as promised.

- Avoid brokers or resellers that require you to pay with cryptocurrency.

- Get email confirmations or a receipt for all reservations and tickets.

- Check the seats before purchasing. Ask for section, row, and seat numbers to avoid obstructed views and purchasing tickets that do not exist.

- Slow down! If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Refuse to be rushed. Scam artists often try to hurry prospective buyers into deciding.

- The best way to kick off the season is to be alert.

Don't feel obligated to be the MVP and handle the scammers yourself. Hoosiers are encouraged to contact the Attorney General's office regarding any suspected scams or scam attempts. You can file a complaint online by visiting indianaconsumer.com or by calling 800-382-5516.