Vikings: Be Wary of Fraudulent Tickets for Sunday's Game

Updated: 12/24/2012 3:00 PM KSTP.com By: Scott Theisen

The Minnesota Vikings are reminding fans to be aware of stolen or counterfeit tickets ahead of the team's sold-out final regular season game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday.

Those tickets are sold over the Internet and by ticket sellers near the stadium on game day.

Because of the Vikings ticket-scanning process, if a fan purchases a counterfeit ticket, they may not be able to get into the stadium and could be subject to investigation, the team says. If a person is already in the stadium and is caught in possession of a fraudulent ticket, they will be ejected and could be subject to arrest.

The team is also reminding fans that the Vikings Ticket Office, Ticketmaster and NFL TicketExchange are the only authorized outlets for Vikings football tickets.

The team is urging fans to use common sense, understand the risks and use the following tips to minimizes the potential loss if they purchase tickets from an unauthorized seller.

On Game Day:

1. Always check with the Vikings Ticket Office or Mall of America Field ticket booths to see if tickets are available. Often times the visiting team may return tickets on the day of the game.
2. Never buy an Eticket from anyone on the street. If you buy an Eticket outside the stadium you run the risk that it is fake.
3. The Vikings have three types of authorized ticket stock: Vikings season and single game ticket stock plus Ticketmaster ticket stock. The counterfeiters have tried to copy all three types of ticket stock. If you are buying tickets on the street:

• Take your time. Scrutinize the tickets closely for any inaccuracies or alterations, and cross-check the seat assignment and prices with a stadium map printed from www.vikings.com before you buy.
• Check the back of the ticket to see if it appears to have been photo copied. Also, all Vikings single ticket stock is numbered in sequential order on the back of the ticket. The number is printed three times and is in red.
• Very few Vikings tickets are sold on Ticketmaster ticket stock. If you are buying tickets on the street and they are Ticketmaster stock they are most likely counterfeit.   

Buying Tickets Online:

• Only the Vikings ticket office, Ticketmaster and the NFL TicketExchange can guarantee the ticket you purchase online will be valid to attend the event.
• When buying from a merchant, always look for the BBB OnLine seal. The logo will tell you that you’re dealing with a company that has a good reputation for satisfying customers and a secure web site for processing your payment.
• When buying from an individual through an online exchange don’t be lured away from the web site by the seller. Even if you met the seller on the exchange web site, the company may not guarantee any lost money if a transaction occurs outside their domain.
• If you buy tickets through an online auction, choose a seller with a long, continuous history of satisfied customers. Scammers can hijack old accounts, so make sure they have recently bought or sold other items.
• Pay with a credit card or through PayPal, which offer some protection and potential reimbursement. Never pay with a cashier’s check or wire money to a seller; you’ll have no way to get your money back if the tickets do not arrive.
• Many sellers will include pictures of the tickets with their posts on auction sites or bulletin boards. Scalpers near the venue will have the tickets themselves. Scrutinize the tickets closely for any inaccuracies or alterations, and cross-check the seat assignment with a stadium map printed from www.vikings.com before you buy.