Beware of Scams Surrounding Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday promises the excitement of thrilling plays and humorous commercials, but it also brings with it the risk of fraudulent activities aimed at stealing from unsuspecting fans. Unfortunately, fans need to be aware that criminal fraudsters may try to steal their money and personal information through a variety of illegal sports betting, ticketing, and merchandise scams, warns Sen. Maggie Hassan, a prominent Democrat from New Hampshire and a key member of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC). The committee is cautioning the public about various scams linked to this major event.

Sports Betting Scams

This year’s Super Bowl LX is expected to see American gamblers wagering a record $1.8 billion, as reported by the American Gaming Association. The rise of online sports betting has unfortunately led to an increase in fraudulent activities. Some cybercriminals are setting up fake websites that closely resemble prominent betting platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings. These counterfeit sites are often powered by advanced AI tools that replicate graphics convincingly, deceiving many into believing they are authentic.

Such scam sites often offer seemingly appealing “risk-free” bonuses to entice bets but later demand further deposits or withhold any potential winnings. The JEC advises consumers to verify the physical locations of sportsbooks before engaging and to ensure the betting platforms are U.S.-based and state-regulated. It’s also crucial to be wary of any claims promising “guaranteed” gambling returns.

Ticket Scams

As expected, Super Bowl tickets remain highly sought after, with the cheapest starting around $5,000. The intense demand provides a lucrative opportunity for scammers. Many pose as legitimate ticket sellers on social media or unverified websites. Purchasers in these situations could end up with counterfeit tickets or none at all.

The JEC strongly suggests purchasing Super Bowl tickets only through authorized sellers like NFL-affiliated or reputable resale sites that offer buyer guarantees and consumer protections. Furthermore, it is advisable to use secure payment methods such as credit cards, avoiding payments through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

Merchandise Scams

Super Bowl-themed merchandise sales present a lucrative avenue, not only for genuine businesses but also for cybercriminals. In 2020, law enforcement seized over $120 million in counterfeit Super Bowl-related merchandise in an initiative known as Operation Team Player. Last year similarly saw the confiscation of nearly $40 million in fake sports items.

Victims of these scams often find themselves with substandard and costly imitations, or they may not receive any products at all. To prevent falling victim, the JEC suggests consumers verify the legitimacy of sellers through resources like the Better Business Bureau or state attorney general websites. It is also helpful to confirm an online seller’s authenticity by checking for a physical address and operational phone number and to review the site’s shipping, return, and refund policies before making any purchases.