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News  Patriots Fans Considering Super Bowl Trips Should Be Aware of Ticket, Travel Pitfalls

1/25/2019
  • Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

As New Englanders prepare for the Patriots to participate in another Super Bowl, the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation is advising fans considering traveling to Atlanta to use caution to avoid potential scams and misleading offers. 

“The Patriots are attempting to win their sixth Super Bowl championship, which is tremendously exciting and a great sports moment for fans everywhere to celebrate,” said John Chapman, Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. “Unfortunately, consumer demand for tickets attracts scammers who are looking to make easy money off of unsuspecting fans. We encourage fans to take the time to make sure their tickets are coming from a legitimate source and that their travel arrangements are verified.”

 

Advice To Consumers About Tickets and Ticket Packages

  • Consumers should try to buy tickets straight from the venue or an authorized vendor. If that is not an option, consumers should approach any third party resale with caution.
  • Read reviews about the ticket seller. Is there an address for a physical office? Can you get in touch with them after the sale should something go wrong?
  • Buy tickets from a seller that has an authenticity guarantee. Ask for pictures of the tickets and research what an authentic Super Bowl ticket looks like to check its legitimacy. Double check the section, row, and seat number on your tickets with information from the venue.  
  • Only pay by credit card! Credit cards provide some protections should you need to dispute the charge. This is made more difficult with checks or money orders. Never pay by wire transfer or with cash.
  • Read the Service or User Agreements. What is the policy if you need to cancel or return the tickets? What happens if the tickets don’t arrive on time?
  • If game tickets are advertised as being included in your travel package, the broker is required to show you either the actual tickets or a written confirmation of how the tickets will be delivered. Federal “Truth in Ticketing” rules that provide for a full refund of the entire package price if your deal was supposed to include a game ticket and you did not receive one.
  • Be very skeptical of any tickets being sold on sites such as Craigslist or eBay, as well as individuals selling tickets locally. Tickets that are being sold at a deep discount is a red flag.

 

  Advice To Consumers About Hotel and Rental Scams

  • Only stay at hotels/lodgings you can verify. Call the hotel directly and confirm your reservation. Review their booking policies and understand what happens if they give your room away or lose the reservation. Make sure to keep paper copies of all confirmation emails, receipts, etc.
  • Consumers renting property from an online site need to watch out for scam sites. Confirm that the property is legitimate and available. Look for reviews, search the address or call the property owner.
  • Pay by credit card – never wire money.

 

For more information about your consumer rights, visit our website www.Mass.Gov/consumer or contact the Consumer Affairs Hotline at 1-888-283-3757.

  • Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation 

    The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation protects and empowers consumers through advocacy and education, and ensures a fair playing field for the Massachusetts businesses its agencies regulate.
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