DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons aren’t the only team getting robbed in the NBA playoffs, as scammers are targeting fans with a new ticket scam.
Little Caesars Arena was buzzing with excitement as fans gathered to watch the Pistons lose heartbreakingly to the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the NBA playoffs.
--> Detroit Pistons’ no call’ in final seconds lead to Knicks taking commanding 3-1 series lead
However, for some, that excitement turned to disappointment when they discovered their tickets were fake.
Joi Smith, a victim of the ticket scam, shared her experience with Local 4.
She had purchased nearly $900 worth of tickets on a popular third-party website, only to find out moments before tipoff that they were not legitimate.
“I was talking to the lady, and she was like, ‘No, these tickets were flagged as four people was trying to claim those tickets,’” said Smith. “She was like, ‘The tickets are no good.’”
Smith bought her tickets on StubHub and soon learned she was not alone in her misfortune.
Many others had fallen victim to the same scam.
“I was trying to tell them that these tickets have already been claimed, and they were like, ‘No, they’re just having a problem getting them through to you, it’s not a problem, no one has claimed the tickets, they were just lying,’” Smith said.
If you’re worried about buying tickets online, go directly to the venue. It’s safer and often more affordable, too.
Nakia Mills from the Better Business Bureau offered advice for those looking to buy tickets online.
“People just need to be careful if they’re searching online and they’re clicking because there are also imposter websites so you think you’re on a legitimate website, but when you look at the URL address, now it’s a scam site,” said Mills.
The BBB noted that scams tend to spike when games are highly anticipated.
After contacting StubHub, Smith contacted her credit card company and was fortunate enough to receive a refund.
However, she warns others to be cautious when purchasing tickets online.
“No more third parties,” Smith said. “I’m never doing third party again. Go to the box office.”
Watch the video above for the full story.
