How to Buy Super Bowl Tickets Safely Online

When Super Bowl fever hits, you'll be in a frenzy trying to buy tickets-you'll buy them from anywhere, from anyone. And if you do, you run the risk of getting involved with ticket fraud-you might end up with counterfeit tickets or no tickets at all. Online auction scams routinely top the Internet Fraud Watch's list of top 10 Internet scams-people who fall victim to such scams lose an average of more than $450.

Things You'll Need

• A computer and Internet connection
• A method of payment (use PayPal if you are buying from an online auction)

Instructions

Buy From an Online Ticket Marketplace

1. Visit an online ticket seller such as StubHub or TicketMaster.

2. Perform a search on the Web site to find Super Bowl ticket selections and prices.

3. Choose your tickets, and then follow the Web site's instructions to purchase them.

Buy at Online Auction Sites

1. Check eBay or another online auction site for Super Bowl tickets.

2. Don't buy tickets on eBay from new sellers. By the same token, if an eBay seller has a long history of satisfied customers, you're probably safe to buy from them. Make sure you buy from reputable sellers only.

3. Don't buy tickets from eBay sellers who say they'll have eBay send you "verification" of their seller status. eBay does not do this, and a seller who says they can provide this verification is a scammer.

4. Don't buy tickets from a seller who is not located in the U.S., particularly if the ad text is poorly written and full of errors.

5. Don't buy tickets if the seller asks you to pay via Western Union, cashier's check or something similar. If you end up getting scammed, you are responsible for covering the costs, not the person who scammed you. PayPal is the safest way to go if you're buying online.

6. Ask for photos of the tickets and check them very carefully. Copy the picture and paste it into an image editing tool (such as MS Paint)-zoom in to check the smaller details and compare your photo with real tickets.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to buy tickets from someone in your area. If you can meet the seller face-to-face to carry out the purchase, your chances of being scammed are virtually zero. Failing that, talk to the person you're dealing with over the phone.

• If you buy a Super Bowl travel package, don't automatically assume that tickets are included. Check with the operator to make sure tickets are included and note that if the package you buy includes tickets and you don't receive them, you are entitled to a full refund.

• You are not protected under any circumstances if you buy tickets at an online auction using Western Union or another wire transfer service. If you are buying from an individual seller, use PayPal-if they say they can't use PayPal, don't buy from them.