Beware Ticket Scams As Sports Fans Converge On Tampa: Cops

TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Police Department is warning sports fans to take precautions to safeguard against "scammers peddling fake tickets" as a number of big-name events are set for play in the community over the next few weeks.

“In the upcoming days, Tampa will host two huge college football games (the Jan. 2 Outback Bowl and the Jan. 9 College Football Playoff), a professional football game (Jan. 1: Bucs vs. Panthers), and three hockey games (Lightning at home Dec. 31, Jan. 3 and 5),” the agency wrote in an email to media. “The flurry of exciting sporting events and the expected high demand for tickets makes for a tempting environment for scammers to try to take advantage of unsuspecting fans.”

To guard against scams, the agency’s officers recommend fans buy their tickets from authorized dealers only. People who opt to buy from private sellers do so at their own risk, the email noted.

“Fans who are buying from private sellers should arrange to meet at a police department or public place where there are surveillance cameras,” the agency suggested. “If possible, take a photo of the ticket seller's ID, or take a photo of the tag on their car.”

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