Be Wary of Super Bowl Ticket Scams if You Plan to Attend the Big Event in Person This Year

The Super Bowl is one of the most watched sporting events in the world, and for some fans, being there in person is the ultimate experience. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most targeted events for scammers. Whether you are a loyal fan of a team headed to the big game or simply want to see the spectacle in person, scammers are ready to exploit your excitement and urgency. Here is how to protect yourself from losing thousands of dollars on fake or invalid tickets.

Low prices are a red flag

Super Bowl tickets are among the most expensive in sports. For 2025, face value prices from the NFL ranged from about $950 for upper-level seats to more than $9,500 for premium club seating, with resale prices often much higher depending on team matchups and demand. If you see a ticket that should cost $3,000 being offered for $300, assume it is fraudulent. In high demand situations, prices almost never drop below face value from legitimate sources.

Tickets via the venue are safest

Buying directly from the official NFL Ticket Exchange, Ticketmaster, or the stadium’s authorized box office is the safest option. This ensures you are getting a verified ticket and access to any official support if issues arise. Avoid third party links claiming to be “official” unless they are linked directly from NFL.com.

Tickets via social media are risky

Scammers use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other social media to offer fake tickets, often at “too good to be true” prices. Even if the seller claims the tickets are mobile transfers, they may be duplicates or previously sold to another buyer. Always verify sellers independently and avoid deals that require payment before any form of ticket verification.

Research ticket sellers

Before you buy, search the seller’s name or business with terms like “complaints” or “scam.” Check the Better Business Bureau and the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office for complaint history. If you see multiple reports of fraud or refund disputes, move on to a trusted source. Established sellers with good reputations will provide clear, written terms and proof of ticket authenticity.

Know the seller type

Understand the difference between:

• Professional ticket brokers – Licensed, often members of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) and offer guarantees of authenticity, often up to 200 percent of the purchase price.
• Ticket scalpers – Unlicensed sellers who resell tickets, often at inflated prices. Legality varies by state and local law.
• Scammers – Individuals selling tickets that do not exist, are counterfeit, or have already been used.

You can check NATB membership at VerifiedTicketSource.com.

Check the details

Ask for section, row, and seat numbers before paying. Compare them to the official stadium seating chart to confirm they are valid. Be sure the tickets are for the current year’s Super Bowl and not for a past game or an unrelated event. Scammers sometimes reuse images or PDFs from previous years.

Pay with a credit card

Credit cards offer strong fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges for non-delivery or counterfeit goods. Avoid paying with cash, debit cards, money orders, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. These payment methods make it nearly impossible to recover your money. If a seller insists on gift card payment, it is almost certainly a scam.

Look for secure websites

When buying online, navigate directly to the vendor’s site rather than clicking on ads, email links, or social media posts. Scammers often use fake sites with similar addresses to well known companies. Check for “https://” and the lock symbol in the browser’s address bar, but remember that a lock icon only means the connection is encrypted, it does not guarantee legitimacy.

Check the refund policy

Read the seller’s refund or exchange policy carefully. Legitimate ticket marketplaces disclose whether sales are final and explain under what conditions refunds are issued. Get all terms in writing before payment, including delivery method and expected ticket availability date if not immediate.

Verify your tickets

If you have doubts, contact the official venue box office. In some cases, you can visit the Will Call or customer service desk to confirm if your ticket number is valid and active. Mobile tickets can sometimes be verified through the official team or event app.

Current scam trends

As of 2025, many Super Bowl ticket scams involve fake “transfer” emails that look like they come from Ticketmaster or the NFL, but actually link to phishing sites. Others involve real tickets sold to multiple buyers, with only the first person to scan in gaining entry. Scammers also use fake QR codes, so never rely on screenshots, only accept official transfers through the event’s verified ticketing platform.

North Carolina consumer protection resources

While the Super Bowl may be played in another state, North Carolina residents who are scammed can report the matter to the NC Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226). You can also submit complaints to the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center if the fraud involves online transactions.

Practical safety checklist for buying Super Bowl tickets

• Buy only from official NFL or authorized resale platforms
• Be skeptical of prices far below market value
• Verify sellers through the BBB, NC Attorney General’s Office, or NATB
• Request and confirm seat details before payment
• Use a credit card for payment protection
• Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages or ads
• Read and understand refund policies
• Verify ticket authenticity before traveling

With demand and prices at record highs, the Super Bowl is a prime target for fraudsters. By staying cautious, researching sellers, and sticking to secure payment and purchase channels, you can protect yourself and focus on enjoying football’s biggest day without becoming a scammer’s next victim.