BBB warns fans: Don’t get “fouled” by an NCAA ticket scam

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fans are ready to follow the University of Kentucky Basketball Wildcats along the road to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Tournament, and the Better Business Bureau^® serving Central & Eastern Kentucky is urging fans to buy tickets from reputable sources and avoid scammers.

“Various websites already show a lot of tickets on the secondary market for sale to the games in Des Moines and Philadelphia,” said BBB Director of Communications Heather Clary. “BBB reminds fans to not let their excitement about the tournament cloud their judgement when it comes to buying those tickets.”

BBB offers tips for determining a legitimate deal from a possible scam:

• If you buy a ticket outside the event’s website, check for any refund or guarantee policies.  Check out the ticket site at www.bbb.org or call the BBB serving Central & Eastern Kentucky at 1-800-866-6668.  Research the ticket site or seller to see if it provides any buyer protections, such as money-back guarantees if tickets are fake or don’t arrive on time.

• Be wary of ticket offers at extreme discount prices – these are generally too good to be true.  Buy at your own risk if you choose to use sites like Craig’s List that offer no guarantees or seller identification. NEVER wire funds to strangers to pay for tickets. Try to meet in person if possible. Always use a credit card for extra protections if the tickets are fake or you don’t receive them.

• The NCAA advises fans to buy from their website, or host schools ticket offices. The NCAA Ticket Exchange is the only 100% guaranteed, NCAA-approved secondary ticket marketplace that allows fans to buy and sell NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship tickets with other fans. Ticket holders who are unable to attend a game or find their team eliminated have a place to safely sell their tickets, and buyers can be assured that the tickets are authentic and guaranteed. Log on to www.ncaa.com/tickets.

Report any suspected ticket scams to local law enforcement and your BBB so that others can be warned.