Hopeful Concert Goers Duped by Phony Tickets, Chicago Police Warn

By Carrie Frillman

The Chicago Police Department's financial crimes unit is asking the city's hopeful ticket holders to take caution while making purchases over the Internet.

"Several cases are being reported of counterfeit tickets being purchased ... " an alert sent last week says. "Tickets are being offered for sale over social media sites or online classified sites."

In the cases referenced, victims are discovering that the tickets are phony after they've completed the transactions.

"The counterfeit tickets reported have included tickets to sporting events and major music concerts scheduled for this upcoming weekend," police said.

Among the weekend's concerts were Pearl Jam at Wrigley Field show and three-day festival, Pitchfork, in Union Park. 

READ: Pearl Jam: Wrigley's Quickest Ticket Sellout Ever

Residents should only by tickets from reputable brokers or the venues, themselves; avoid buying tickets off the street; be aware of those they're buying from; verify identification and report suspicious activity immediately.

Police say buyers should call 911 in the event they're sold fake tickets and remain on the scene whenever possible.

Those with information about the counterfeit sales should call the department's Financial Crimes Unit at 312-746-9661. The case reference code is HW-364888.