Sunday’s Detroit Lions playoff game at Ford Field against the Los Angeles Rams has many people excited. With that excitement, however, comes a risk of scams and counterfeit tickets. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers advice to help people secure the best deals on tickets and avoid scams.
Melanie Duquesnel, CEO and President of the BBB Eastern Michigan Chapter, says the best deals come from doing your research. Compare prices on multiple websites and ensure they are legitimate, avoiding unverified sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Legitimate websites include Ticketmaster and StubHub, where you can purchase tickets directly from the Detroit Lions. Avoid shady tactics like clicking on Facebook ads or responding to unsolicited text messages offering cheap tickets; these are likely scams.
Scams often target people who rush to get the best deal without thoroughly checking the legitimacy of the source. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Since this is the Lions’ first home playoff game at Ford Field, prices are expected to be high. Expect nosebleed seats to go for around $600, making it the priciest ticket for the first round of playoffs in the 2023-2024 season.
To protect yourself, use a credit card for purchases. This allows you to dispute charges with the credit card company if the tickets turn out to be fake or don’t match the description. Avoid using debit cards, as reversing charges can be more challenging.
Report any suspicious activity, such as suspicious websites or offers, to law enforcement and the BBB. Don’t be embarrassed if you’ve been scammed; speak up to warn others and potentially save them from falling victim to similar scams. Stay alert, do your research, and trust your instincts to have a safe and enjoyable game day experience.