March Madness ticket scams; don’t get slammed

College basketball March Madness is coming to Dayton. With all the excitement it brings, it can also put a dent in your wallet if you’re not careful. Your Better Business Bureau can help you get a ticket and avoid getting scammed.

The NCAA Men’s College Tournament kicks off Tuesday with the First Four at the University of Dayton arena. Dayton will also host the second and third rounds, making it a hot ticket for many basketball fans and a great opportunity for scammers to take advantage of you and your money.

Despite attempts to regulate the secondary ticket market, which is sometimes referred to as scalping, the market continues to grow. According to Seat Geek, an online website for tickets, it says the secondary market is a $15 billion dollar industry and growing every year. Last year, more than 1,900 complaints were filed with your BBB concerning ticket sales in the U.S.

Your BBB offers these March Madness tournament ticket tips:

• Ask the seller where he or she is located. Also, ask how he or she can be contacted after the sale. If the seller is elusive, don’t pursue the offer.

• Never wire money or pay with a cashier’s check to the seller. You’ll have no way of getting your tickets or money back. Pay with a credit card or through PayPal, which will offer you some protection.

• Look for secure websites when buying tickets. Look for a website with the padlock on the page and the letter “s” in the URL web address box. For example, the address should start with https.

• Do your research. If you’re buying tickets online, ask for a picture of the tickets so you can confirm the tickets match the venue.

• Don’t be lured away from reputable we sites to complete transactions with sellers.

• Be wary when buying from scalpers. Buying tickets outside the venue can be a risky purchase.

Remember, when purchasing tickets from an online broker, look for the BBB seal on the website. Also, check with your BBB, it can provide a list of BBB Accredited Businesses to help make your ticket purchase a pleasant one. It can also provide business reviews on businesses you’re considering. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.

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