CONSUMER ALERT: Beware of Ticket Scams Ahead of Big SEC Game | So Good News

Attorney General Chris Carr and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​of North Georgia are teaming up to warn Georgians about ticket scams ahead of this weekend’s Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship Game between the University of Georgia (UGA) and Louisiana State University (LSU). Big games provide opportunities for fraudsters to take advantage of consumers by selling fake, worthless or stolen tickets on the secondary market. Not only can consumers lose money in these scams, but they can also be sensitive to identifying theft if both personal and financial information is offered as part of the transaction.

“With the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs looking for another SEC title, it’s important that fans hoping to attend the big game in person be careful when purchasing tickets,” Carr said. “Criminals take advantage of this opportunity to steal their hard-earned money, so make sure you deal with reputable sellers and avoid things that sound too good. In anticipation of the championship weekend, our Consumer Protection Division has put together some helpful tips to help you avoid scams, protect your wallet and cheer on the Dawgs with peace of mind. “

Atlanta will take home the starting spot this weekend as the national champion Georgia Bulldogs are set to take on the LSU Tigers on Dec. 3, 2022, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. No wonder the game is selling out. For those still hoping to attend the SEC Championship in person, it’s important to understand the potential for fraud when hunting for tickets on the secondary market.

“The Internet has helped consumers find and buy tickets to events. “Unfortunately, some online ticket sellers are scammers,” said Simone Williams, BBB’s media and public relations director. fake to real events or buy tickets to events that didn’t happen. If you see a scam, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker to alert others. “

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and the BBB of North Georgia are offering the following tips to help fans avoid ticket scams:

• Buy tickets from reputable websites. You can check if the business is accredited by the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. You may also want to search the Internet for complaints and reviews of the business.
• Ticket scalpers who approach you outside the event gates are often scammers selling fake tickets. Don’t risk it.
• You can also find a ticket broker through the National Association of Ticket Brokers, which requires its members to certify that every ticket sold on their site is legitimate.
• Check with the organization running the event about a safe way to resell and purchase confirmed tickets.
• Be very careful when buying tickets through Craigslist ads.
• Avoid attaching money to the seller, as this is often a sign of fraud.
• Beware of sales that sound too good to be true. Scammers often try to trick consumers into handing over their money by offering them tickets or merchandise at below-market prices.
• Protect your reputation by avoiding posting pictures of your tickets online or online. Hackers can easily capture barcodes from online mail and use them to create fraudulent tickets and steal personal information.
• Ticket advertisers are required by Georgia law to register with the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission and comply with other regulations, including providing their license number in any online, advertising or print media. To verify a ticketing license, go to sos.ga.gov, click on “Licensing” and then “Licensee Search.”

To file a complaint against a ticket seller, visit the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission website.

If you have a dispute with a company that facilitates the resale of tickets between individuals, you can file a complaint online with our office or call our Consumer Protection team at 404-651-8600.