LITTLE ROCK -- Arkansans who are looking forward once again to enjoy live football games this fall should be leery of scammers when buying tickets.
"Unfortunately, scam artists will try to take advantage of fans by selling them tickets that are fake, duplicates or nonexisting. They may use high-pressure sales tactics to rush innocent Arkansans into buying tickets using deals that seem unbeatable and many times are. Sports fans should be spending their time cheering on their favorite teams -- not calling penalties on scammers," her office said in a news release.
"Arkansans couldn't be more excited to get back into the stadiums to watch live football, a cherished tradition," Rutledge said. "Whether you support the Razorbacks, Red Wolves, Bears or Boll Weevils, everyone deserves to cheer for their favorite team without worry of scammers trying to take advantage of their wallets."
Her office released the following tips to help Arkansans protect themselves when looking to buy game tickets during the upcoming football season:
• Research the seller or broker with the Better Business Bureau and ensure it is a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers.
• A legitimate ticket broker will offer a refund policy. Only buy tickets from a reseller that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction.
• Always use a credit card to make a ticket purchase because credit card laws provide buyers with some recourse if the tickets are fraudulent.
• Check the seats ahead of time. Ask for section, row and seat numbers to avoid obstructed views and purchasing tickets that do not exist.
• Stick with well-known ticket sellers who offer guarantees and policies that protect buyers and have the ability to investigate and restrict accounts of merchants who violate the policies.
• If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Refuse to be rushed. Scam artists often try to hurry prospective buyers into making a decision.
Consumers who think they may have purchased a counterfeit ticket can contact the National Association of Ticket Brokers at 630-510-4594 or the attorney general's Public Protection Department.
For more information on how to avoid scams and other consumer-related topics, visit http://www.ArkansasAG.gov, email [email protected], or call the attorney general's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-482-8982.