AG warns of fake World Series tickets and scams

Posted 10/24/13

With the Boston Red Sox heading back to the World Series, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin is warning fans to use caution when buying tickets or booking travel for the Fall Classic.

Kilmartin …

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AG warns of fake World Series tickets and scams

Posted

With the Boston Red Sox heading back to the World Series, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin is warning fans to use caution when buying tickets or booking travel for the Fall Classic.

Kilmartin said excitement over the Red Sox’ “redemption season” and the team’s first World Series appearance since 2007 have fans scrambling for tickets to see the hometown heroes take on the St. Louis Cardinals. 

“Unfortunately, there are those who are ready to take advantage of that enthusiasm and excitement with offers of fake ticket packages and inflated prices,” said Attorney General Kilmartin. “Whenever there is a demand for tickets, scam artists will try to take advantage. One of the things to watch for is people advertising tickets they don’t have and can’t deliver. Another frequently used scam is the sale of counterfeit tickets, so verify the authenticity of whatever you purchase before paying.”  

Attorney General Kilmartin offers these tips:

Buy tickets directly from Major League Baseball (MLB) or an MLB-approved ticket broker.

Before buying tickets, check the event website and make sure the seats actually exist in the section you are requesting. 

If you go to a broker, do your homework. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the ticket broker or agency.

If you do business with a ticket broker in another state, check that state’s ticket reseller or “scalper” statutes. It is against the law in Rhode Island to overly inflate the price of tickets. Ticket sellers may not charge a service fee of over $3 or 10 percent (whichever is greater) of the price of the ticket.

Always pay by credit card – do not wire funds or pay by cash. A credit card may provide protection if you do not get the tickets or they are counterfeit.

Ask the seller to e-mail or fax a copy of the actual tickets before making a payment. Make sure the ticket information includes date, time, location and seating details.

If you plan to go to St. Louis:

Use travel agents or websites that you trust.

Make sure that a website address starts with “https” (not “http”) and there is a padlock icon on the web address to indicate it is a secure website.

Get details and confirmation numbers in writing. Legitimate companies will provide a written or e-mailed confirmation of your reservation.

The Consumer Protection Unit is available to speak to community groups on how to prevent being a victim of identity theft and other scams. For more information, visit www.riag.ri.gov or call 274-4400.

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