Caution for Football Fans: Texas A&M Police Warn of Ticket Scams Ahead of Notre Dame Game
University Students Scammed Out of $1,200
The excitement around the Texas A&M season opener against Notre Dame this weekend has been tainted by reports of ticket scams which have already left some students hundreds of dollars out of pocket. The University Police have reported that at least three students have lost a combined sum of $1,200 after being duped into purchasing counterfeit tickets for Saturday’s game.
Given these unfortunate circumstances, authorities are strongly urging fans to purchase their tickets only from the official 12th Man Foundation or its preferred partner, SeatGeek, to avoid falling prey to such scams. Rob Leseth with the university police stated, “I know that tickets are hard to get but buying a ticket that doesn’t exist and getting scammed out of your money is really bad. We want people to enjoy a good game day without being swindled out of their hard-earned money.”
The Allure of Unauthorized Sellers
Scammers often employ social media platforms and group messaging apps to lure their victims into buying fake tickets. The promise of cheap tickets through unofficial sources can be tempting for fans, but it comes with the risk of being scammed. Officer Leseth added, “What these scammers are doing is posting advertisements on GroupMe or other social media platforms to draw students in.”
Payment Red Flags and Further Risks
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also advises fans to be cautious when making online payments. Receiving requests for payment through cash apps, wire transfers, or gift cards should automatically raise suspicions regarding the authenticity of the seller. “People should absolutely avoid payments through apps or gift cards, as those are the big no-nos,” advised BBB Regional Director Katie Galan.
However, the risks associated with ticket scams extend beyond mere financial losses. Scammer may use the personal details they acquire during the transaction such as billing addresses and full names, for more sinister intentions such as identity theft. Galan warns, “even with just a name and address, scammers can dig deeper into more sensitive information.”
What To Do in Case of a Scam
University police are urging anyone who falls victim to such a scam to report it immediately. Reporting these crimes not only helps to protect other potential victims, but also increases the chances of perpetrators being apprehended. Authorities continue to caution fans ahead of the game, and emphasize the importance of purchasing tickets from reliable sources.
