The opening ceremony for the Sochi 2014 Games is on, but fraudsters have had their scams in full swing, looking to profit off fans trying to pick up Olympic memorabilia.
The Better Business Bureau says reports of fake 2014 Sochi Olympics Games goods are already appearing online, including the ‘original Olympic torch’ being sold on eBay before the games begin.
Sandra Crozier-McKee, President and CEO of the BBB Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenay, says people should keep their eyes peeled for fakes in order to avoid being caught.
"The Olympics are an exciting time for the whole world, and it's understandable that people want their own piece of Olympic history," she says in a release. "The unfortunate reality is that there are scammers out there taking advantage of consumers' support and passion for the games. Scammers know that collectible or limited edition items are in high demand, so it's best to check just how limited these items are before purchasing."
In order to avoid these scams, the BBB suggests that:
- Consumers become familiar with official logos, graphics, and branding of the games
- Always make sure you use your credit card to make purchases online so fraudulent sales can be tracked and refunded
- Avoid any unsolicited or unfamiliar email related to the Sochi Games
- Keeping a budget helps consumers get an idea of how much actual merchandise costs
More information on scams and tips to protect yourself can be found on bbb.org.
