The Detroit Lions’ return to the playoffs as NFC North Champions has brought a surge of excitement among fans, eager to witness their team’s first-ever playoff game at Ford Field. However, this eagerness has also made them targets for scam artists. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued warnings about the risk of online ticket scams, highlighting how scammers exploit fans’ enthusiasm.
The Scams
Scammers have developed sophisticated methods to deceive eager ticket buyers. One common tactic involves creating phony screenshots of tickets that don’t exist or have been sold multiple times. These scammers then lure unsuspecting fans with the promise of securing a seat at the highly anticipated game. Nessel emphasizes the importance of ensuring tickets are authentic to avoid financial loss and disappointment.
The Role of Payment and Money App Scams
A significant part of these scams involves payment or money app frauds. Peer-to-peer (P2P) money apps like Apple Pay, Cash App, Venmo, and others are often used in these scams. Scammers impersonate banks or fraud departments, alerting individuals about “suspicious activity” and instructing them to send money to specific addresses or even to themselves.
Other scams include fake emails about account suspensions, prompting victims to enter their passwords on fraudulent webpages. The instant nature of transactions in these apps makes recovery of funds difficult, if not impossible.
The Attorney General’s Advice
Nessel urges fans to be vigilant and cautious when purchasing tickets online. She recommends using official retail sites like Ticketmaster, where tickets for the Lions’ Wild Card game are legitimately sold. The Attorney General’s office has also released guidelines on online ticket purchasing and how to protect oneself from payment app scams, available on the Michigan government website.
Protecting Yourself
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it’s crucial to:
- Verify the authenticity of the ticket and the seller.
- Be cautious with P2P payment services, especially when transacting with strangers.
- Recognize the common signs of scams, such as unsolicited calls or emails asking for sensitive information.
- Use secure and reputable platforms for purchasing tickets.
Conclusion
The excitement surrounding the Detroit Lions’ playoff run has unfortunately also attracted scammers looking to exploit fans. By staying informed and cautious, fans can protect themselves from these heartless scams that threaten to spoil their experience and lead to financial losses. It’s a stark reminder that in the digital age, vigilance is key, especially when enthusiasm runs high.