Calgarians are excited that the Flames are in the playoffs and scammers are taking advantage of fans who are hoping to find tickets for the games.

The Better Business Bureau is warning people about unauthorized ticket sellers and says hockey fans should be cautious about buying tickets online.

"As the playoffs head to Calgary, fans will do almost anything to be part of the action," said Sandra Crozier-McKee, president and CEO of BBB Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenay. "Though a great deal on Kijiji may be tempting, the seller may be completely offside with their deal." 

The BBB says that in most cases, scammers ask for payment via wire money transfer and then stop communicating once payment is received. The tickets are never sent and the money disappears.

Here’s how the scam typically works:
 

  1. Re-selling the same tickets: Scammers buy tickets online and opt to have the tickets emailed to them. Once the scammer receives the e-tickets, they advertise them on sites like Kijiji, eBay or Craigslist. Since there is no limit to the amount of times a scammer can sell the same pair of e-tickets, they take payment from multiple buyers for the same tickets, only to leave the buyers empty-handed.
     
  2. Selling fake tickets: Scammers purchase printing devices on the black market that can replicate the look of legitimate looking tickets and sell them to unsuspecting buyers. Only when the buyer tries to redeem the tickets at the event are they told the tickets are fake.
     
  3. Selling fake tickets under a fake identity: Scammers will sometimes provide buyers with a fake name and number, even using trustworthy, professional titles like Dr. When the buyer tries to contact the seller, they end up calling someone who has no idea their identity has been used by a scammer.

 The BBB says there are a few things fans can do to avoid getting fooled by fake tickets:

  • Verify ticket sales. Check with official ticket retailers if tickets to the event are actually on sale. Also check with the official team page for game dates so you know when you can expect to buy tickets.
  • Beware of deals that seem too good to be true. They usually are!
  • Never wire money to a stranger. Money transfers are hard to trace and once the money is gone, it's gone for good. Pay with a credit card so you will have some recourse in case something goes wrong. 
  • Ask to meet in person. It can be anyone on the other side of a computer screen, so ask to meet the person in a public place.

For more information visit the BBB’s website HERE.