Stay Safe When Scoring Detroit Lions Playoff Tickets: Tips to Avoid Scams
The Detroit Lions have clinched the NFC North Championship and are heading to the playoffs! As excitement builds and fans rush to secure tickets for the divisional round at Ford Field—and hopefully the conference championship—it’s essential to stay vigilant when purchasing tickets online. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued vital advice to help Lions fans avoid ticket scams and enjoy the thrill of live playoff action without the risk of being duped.
Common Ticket Scams to Watch For
Scammers thrive on the excitement of events like playoff games, using tactics such as fake tickets, fraudulent payment apps, and counterfeit checks to steal money from unsuspecting fans. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Fake Tickets: Scammers may sell screenshots of fake or counterfeit paper tickets that look legitimate.
- Payment App Scams: Fraudsters impersonate banks or vendors, asking you to transfer funds or share sensitive information. Payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App make it easy to transfer money—but also easy for scammers to take it.
- Fake Check Scams: Sellers of legitimate tickets might encounter scammers who overpay with a fraudulent check, asking for the difference to be refunded. Once the check bounces, the seller loses both the money and the tickets.
How to Protect Yourself
Attorney General Nessel offers several practical tips to avoid falling victim to ticket scams:
- Know Your Vendor: Stick to reputable ticket vendors. Scammers often create spoof websites that mimic legitimate sellers, so double-check the website address.
- Do Your Research: If unsure about a seller, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at 877-765-8388 to check for complaints, or visit the Better Business Bureau’s website for more information.
- Use a Credit Card: Avoid paying with cash, checks, or payment apps when purchasing tickets. Credit cards often offer protections, like the ability to dispute charges for counterfeit tickets or canceled events.
- Shop Securely: Ensure the website you’re using is secure. Look for “https” in the URL or a lock icon at the bottom of your screen when entering personal information.
Let’s Keep Ford Field Loud and Proud
The Lions’ playoff run is an unforgettable opportunity to cheer on our team in an electric atmosphere. By staying alert and following these tips, fans can safely enjoy the excitement and avoid the heartbreak of falling victim to scams.
For more details on protecting yourself during online ticket purchases, check out the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s Online Ticket Purchasing consumer alert.
Let’s roar loud and proud for the Lions—safely and securely!
Go Lions!
For more information on how to keep you and your personal information safe, visit our webpage on fraud alerts.
