The Big Game Could Mean Big Scams. Here's How To Stay Safe

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The Big Game is coming to the Bay Area next week, with the New England Patriots taking on the Seattle Seahawks.

The Super Bowl brings massive ticket sales, concerts, events, meet-and-greets and more.

But with the opportunities to take part in the festivities of any major sporting event, such as Super Bowl LX, also comes the chance of getting scammed, especially online, said Kristin Lewis, chief product officer at Aura, a digital security company

Super Bowl LX tickets are selling for more than $6,000, and as scams evolve, it's important to stay protected, Lewis said.

"With the Super Bowl approaching, it’s likely that scammers will target fans," Lewis said. "With an expected 70-80k in attendance. That means a potential 400k-1M+ is on the table for scammers."

Here is how to avoid being scammed ahead of Super Bowl LX:

Websites & Ads

While a website or advertisement may promote selling tickets, it could be a front for someone trying to scam others.

"The first thing users can look for is if these websites have a verified seller status," Lewis said. "A lack of verification can indicate that the site may be a potential scam."

Lewis says it is also important to confirm that event details are consistent on the website, as scammers will try to add as little information as possible online.

Another scam to look out for when buying tickets online is to be wary of spoof sites that may be trying to pass themselves off as actual sellers. Make sure sites such as Ticketmaster.com don't include any extra letters, and that the website starts with "https://."

More red flags include a site that doesn't have information on its refund policy, broken links, requests for unnecessary personal information, such as a social security number, or poor website design, Lewis said.

"It’s also important to be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, such as extremely low prices or high-pressure sales tactics," Lewis said. "Take time to research the seller and look for reviews or ratings to help verify their legitimacy."

Fell For A Scam?

If scammed, one of the first actions to take is to contact your bank and report the transaction, as they may be able to cancel the purchase before it goes through, freeze the card or prevent further losses, Lewis said.

Getting caught up in a scam can lead to other fallouts, such as identity theft, according to Lewis.

If caught in a scam, break contact with the scammer immediately, do not contact them for any further information, contact a local police department and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission, Lewis suggests.

Avoid The Scam

When buying tickets online, it's best to use a credit card instead of a gift card or wire transfer, Lewis said. Wire transfers or apps like Zelle are generally difficult to reverse and final.

"Users can help protect themselves from ticket scams by purchasing tickets directly from Ticketmaster’s official website or app," Lewis said. "If buying from secondary marketplaces, they should look for verified sellers and ensure the site is part of a trusted resale platform."

Currently, the NFL is selling Super Bowl LX ticket packages. Individual tickets can be found on sites such as Ticketmaster and StubHub.

Big Game Headlines

• Bad Bunny To Headline 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show
• An East Bay City Is Hosting The Official Super Bowl 60 Watch Party. Here's What To Know
• NFL Releases Full Schedule Of Super Bowl 60 Events And Venues
• Green Day To Open 60th Super Bowl With Anniversary Ceremony Celebrating Generations Of MVPs
• Heinz Unveils Gigantic Ketchup Container In Time For Big Game
• Patriots Advance To Super Bowl LX With AFC Championship Victory Over Broncos