Industry News

More than 100 Vikings fans scammed

More than 100 people were scammed into purchasing fake tickets to a Minnesota Vikings game this past weekend, a ten-fold increase on the usual number of fraud incidents.

The NFL American football team claims that the dramatic jump in counterfeit tickets is directly correlated to the team’s success, with the Vikings recently making it to the playoffs.

“We’ve seen an increase this year as the team has had continued success,” Vikings spokesperson Jeff Anderson said. “And we certainly expect a bigger increase as we head into home playoff games.”

Fans can buy game passes from the team’s ticket office, as well as from Ticketmaster and the NFL Ticket Exchange. Customers then receive either an electronic ticket via an app on their phone, or a paper ticket.

Following the leap in fake tickets, the Vikings gave its fans several tips to avoid being scammed, including that when buying from a merchant they should always look for the Better Business Bureau Online seal. The logo is designed to assure consumers that they are dealing with a company that has a good reputation for satisfying customers and a secure website for processing payments.

“Ask the seller to take a photo with their ID, ask them to walk you to the gate,” Anderson said. “If they’re not willing to do those things, then walk away.”

The Vikings also warned that any hard ticket stocks being sold on the street will be counterfeit.

The Vikings said they are working closely with Minneapolis police and the BBB to combat scammers.