Avoiding Super Bowl Scams: Tips for Consumers

Every Super Bowl Sunday promises exciting football games, entertaining commercials, and unfortunately, scams designed to take advantage of fans. As Sen. Maggie Hassan, a Democrat from New Hampshire and ranking member of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), has warned, individuals must remain vigilant against fraudulent activities surrounding events like sports betting, ticket sales, and merchandise related to the Super Bowl.

Sports Betting Scams

With Americans projected to spend a staggering $1.8 billion on Super Bowl LX, due in part to the rise in online sports betting, there is an increased risk of scams. Fraudsters have been known to create counterfeit websites that closely imitate popular gambling platforms such as FanDuel and DraftKings. These imitations use advanced AI tools to replicate graphics and visuals, deceiving consumers into believing they are real.

Scam sites often entice victims with “risk-free” betting bonuses, only to demand further deposits or refuse payouts. The JEC advises consumers to confirm a sportsbook’s physical location before placing any bets. It is crucial to avoid betting on sites not based in the U.S., as they are not subject to U.S. regulations and lack consumer protections. Additionally, users should ensure the site is legally licensed and overseen by state gaming commissions.

Ticket Scams

Super Bowl tickets are always in high demand, which unfortunately attracts scammers who exploit consumers’ willingness to pay premium prices. With ticket prices starting at roughly $5,000, fraudsters often pose as legitimate sellers through social media or unverified websites.

To avoid being conned out of their money, buyers should only purchase tickets through officially authorized platforms, such as the NFL’s primary sales outlets, or verified resale sites that offer buyer protections. When making these purchases, using secure payment methods with inherent protections, like credit cards, is recommended over wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies.

Merchandise Scams

Super Bowl merchandise, such as apparel and accessories, offers both legitimate sales opportunities and avenues for cybercriminals. Before Super Bowl 54, officials seized over $120 million in fake goods, including jerseys and jewelry, through a federal operation named “Operation Team Player.” The trend continued with nearly $40 million in counterfeit sports merchandise seized before the last Super Bowl.

Victims of these scams receive low-quality and overpriced imitation goods that rarely match their descriptions. Some buyers receive nothing at all. Consumers are encouraged to check the legitimacy of sellers via the Better Business Bureau or by looking up any complaints filed with state attorney general offices.

Another way to authenticate an online seller’s credibility is by verifying their physical address and contact information. It is wise to familiarize oneself with a site’s shipping, return, and refund policies before any transaction.