The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado urges football fans to use caution when purchasing tickets and travel packages to the Super Bowl to avoid being scammed. As the excitement surrounding the game heats up, so do the activities of scam artists who are looking for potential victims.

• Deal with a reputable local company who has a track record with bowl game packages and ticket sales.
• Check the company out with the Better Business Bureau.
• Use a credit card for your purchase - credit cards offer additional protection if the offer falls short - Western Union and Money Gram are red flags associated with frauds.
• If you are considering purchasing a travel package, verify what is and isn't included in the package and get it in writing. Once the package is confirmed after the purchase, request a written confirmation and verify that there are no discrepancies in what you agreed to. The U.S. Department of Transportation consumer protection rules require any operator marketing a Super Bowl air package that is promoted as including game tickets to have the tickets in hand or have a written contract for the tickets before the operator does any advertising.

The BBB of SC also cautions consumers when purchasing tickets online because the Internet provides a forum for scammers to take advantage of online shoppers. Consumers need to keep in mind that any seller they contact online, whether through a Web site, auction site or chat room, may or may not be legitimate. Consumers should also be aware that they may be dealing with a seller who is not licensed to resell tickets and may be in another state. Before choosing an online ticket broker or reseller, make sure your purchase is 100% guaranteed.

For any Internet transaction you do, make sure:

• The Web site where you buy tickets is secure and reputable. Look for a seal of approval from the Better Business Bureau, Verisign or similar organizations.
• If purchasing tickets online through eBay, be sure to read through the comments and feedback. You should also click on the item number to view what was sold. It should send up a red flag if the seller has sold 500 items and has never sold bowl tickets before.
• Read all fine print, and be sure to verify the ticket delivery dates.
• Beware of e-mails that seem to be from eBay guaranteeing the honesty of a seller. eBay does not send these types of messages.

If buying from a ticket broker, examine their credibility and reputation for things such as time in business, office location (do they operate with a cell phone only), participation in organizations such as the National Association of Ticket Brokers or BBB, eBay feedback and referrals. Find out what guarantees are offered with the purchase.

The NATB is an organization that has implemented some regulation to the ticket brokerage industry by setting forth a code of standards and ethics for all members to follow. They require all of their members to support Super Bowl ticket orders with a 200% guarantee. That means if for some reason they fail to deliver the tickets, a refund equivalent to 200% of the purchase price is due.

If a ticket “broker” insists on cash payment - buyer beware. Unethical brokers may have lost their charge card merchant privileges and operate on a cash basis, which gives the buyer no protection from a credit card company or recourse if there is a problem later.

Does the broker have a professionally done Web site that is current and up to date? Is the broker licensed by their state and do they abide by any applicable state laws? Buy from a broker licensed by a state regulating secondary market ticket sales, such as Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, where broker activities are monitored by the Secretary of State’s Office.

Game Day Sales - Consumers should be particularly wary of trying to buy tickets outside of the venue:

• The seller may be violating state law and/or rules and regulations covering ticket reselling near the stadium.
• If the transaction goes wrong, there is little the consumer can do since a cash transaction is usually done in a matter of minutes.
• Consider it a red flag if the tickets are going for $500 and you are offered tickets for $100.