MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Fans should beware of the “need one, got one” ticket marketing at college athletic events this fall.
“Policies at WVU and Marshall actually prohibit the resale of scalping of tickets on university property. We recommend you should go through the university or go to a really reputable organization,” advised state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.
Tips on choosing those ticket distributors include: Seek reviews of the seller from friends and family. Check to see if the third-party vendor is a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers. According to Morrisey’s office, the association’s members adhere to a code of ethics that offer basic consumer protections.
Fake tickets are becoming more prevalent as counterfeiters step up their graphics game, but better-known outlets like Stub Hub or Ticketmaster and entities that have been in business for years have invested heavily in fraud detection equipment, Morrisey said.
Other things to look for with ticket outlets include determining the online vendor has a site set up to prevent hacking. For instance, the “s” in “https://” signifies a secure connection.
As with any purchase, Morrisey advises to read the fine print and check for additional fees.
Paying online with credit gives the consumer some proof to contest or dispute wrongful charges.
“Most people have good experiences with the reputable sites or with the university. But the folks that take the risk, you’re always in danger of being the one that doesn’t get the legitimate ticket.
“We are worried that people may go and ultimately not get the ticket. They’re going to be left out holding the bag.”
Ticket and scalping scams can be reported to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-368-8808 or file a complaint online at www.wvago.gov.