Watch Out For Fake Giants Playoff Game Tickets, BBB Warns

BAY AREA, CA — With the excitement that the San Francisco Giants are once again in the MLB playoffs, the Better Business Bureau of The Golden Gate warned fans Tuesday that scammers might be selling fake playoff game tickets online.

Since the Giants did not secure a third win Tuesday in Game 4 against the 2020 World Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, they'll be back home Thursday to finish off Game 5 of the National League Division Series at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

"Thanks to the internet, there are countless ways for consumers to find tickets and connect with online marketplaces, ticket sellers and resellers," said Lori Wilson, president of BBB serving The Golden Gate.

Still, the BBB said it has received hundreds of complaints on BBB Scam Tracker about ticket scams related to sporting events, concerts, theatre, and more. To avoid falling prey to scammers, BBB offered the following tips when buying tickets online, whether for a Giants game or any other event:

• Purchase from the event venue whenever possible.
• Consider your source. Know the difference between a professional ticket broker (a legitimate and accredited reseller), a ticket scalper (an unregulated and unlicensed ticket seller), and a scammer selling scam tickets.
• Check out the seller/broker on BBB.org
• Buy only from trusted vendors.
• Know the refund policy.
• Always use a credit card whenever possible
• Be wary of advertisements promoting cheap tickets.
• If you’re unsure, verify your tickets. Pay a visit to the arena where the event will be held. Present your ticket to “Will Call” (customer service) and they can verify if your ticket is legitimate and show you how to tell if a ticket is fake.

Customers can research and report scams on BBB Scam Tracker. Ticket buyers can also look up online marketplace business profiles on the BBB website, as well as Marketplace business profiles on BBB.org, as well as file a complaint or write a customer review.