Vikings Tickets: Fans Urged To Stiff-Arm Phony Ticket Sellers

TWIN CITIES, MN — Excitement is sky-high as the Minnesota Vikings start the regular season with a big Monday Night matchup against Adrian Peterson and the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 11. The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota (BBB) warns fans scammers might attempt an end around with bogus tickets right up to the time of opening kickoff.

BBB reminds everyone that reputable ticket sources are out there and are the best option to secure a seat and not get scammed. Also, ticket selling on U.S. Bank Stadium property is illegal., according to a news release.

“Simple awareness of this growing problem is your best defense,” Susan Adams Loyd, President and CEO of BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota, said in a statement. “Fake tickets are a fact of life for sports fans these days. By staying between the lines, you can greatly reduce your odds of being thrown for a big loss.”

To avoid getting sacked by scammers, BBB recommends you:

• Choose a reputable online ticket broker. Only the Vikings ticket office, Ticketmaster and the NFL TicketExchange (On their website, the Vikings offer these additional tips:
• Always check with the Vikings Ticket Office or the ticket booths to see if walk-up tickets are available.
• The Vikings have two types of authorized tickets: accessible through the Vikings Mobile App or printed (8 ½ x 11) PDF tickets.
• Vikings tickets are not printed on Ticketmaster hard ticket stock. If you are buying tickets printed on Ticketmaster hard ticket stock, they are fake.
• If you are buying tickets on the street, scrutinize them closely for inaccuracies or alterations. Cross-check the seat assignment and prices with a stadium map found on the Vikings Mobile App.
• Ask the person who is selling tickets on the street if you could take a picture of him/her with their valid ID before the transaction. If they refuse, move on.

Finally, apply common sense. Tickets for big games such as this one are always in high demand. The chances of you getting lucky and finding an unbelievable deal are slim at best.

If a situation sounds too good to be true, such as someone selling tickets for much less than they’re being offered elsewhere, the offer is likely not legitimate.

Image via William Bornhoft/Patch.com