(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County detachment is urging all residents to purchase hockey tickets from a reputable website or box office after investigating an incident at a Norfolk County, Ontario address.
On Sunday, January 29, 2017 at approximately 1:13 p.m., police received a report of a fraud from a local resident.
Through the course of investigation, it was determined that the resident attempted to purchase hockey tickets from a website from an unknown male that had advertised tickets for sale. After corresponding, the male contacted the resident and had them e-transfer $250 dollars however no tickets ever arrived.
Here are a few tips to assist anyone interested in purchasing tickets:
The number one rule to remember is to always transact in person. In fact, it is recommended that you meet the seller at a place where you can actually have the tickets verified and authenticated, like the venue itself. The majority of these scams happen when transactions occur, using online money transfers. Fraudsters will ask that potential buyers to send a deposit, or the full amount, before they send the tickets. They typically disappear once the money has been received.
If it looks too good to be true – it probably is.
Research the prices for similar tickets offered at the event prior to replying to an ad – is the price out of line in comparison?
Do your homework.
Try to meet the seller at a place where you can have the tickets verified, like the venue itself. You will want to call ahead to ensure that they are both willing and able to check that particular event for you, as they are not always able to do this at the event.
It’s in the details.
Be careful of transactions that seem to be happening too fast and make you feel uncomfortable. While certain situations may require a quick sale, these should only be done in person and with hard tickets. Scammers like to put unnecessary pressure on people so they make poor decisions. Chances are that if you are being rushed into something, it isn’t going to end well.
A few extra notes worth considering:
Be very wary of E-tickets. Scammers have been known to abuse the fact that e-tickets can be easily reproduced and will print off as many copies of a certain ticket as possible. All of these tickets will work perfectly when entering the event, but only the first one scanned will be valid – while the rest will be denied entry.
Box Office tickets also offer a potential hazard, as the scammers may not change the name that the Pre-Order tickets are under at the box office, once again denying you entry.
“Various websites that have tickets for sale can be a great resource, both for acquiring tickets to sold-out shows and as an aid to those who are no longer able to attend an event. Unfortunately, ticket scams are some of the easiest to fall victim to and police are urging all residents to familiarize themselves with these on-line scams.” -Constable Ed Sanchuk, Norfolk County OPP.
FRAUD – RECOGNIZE IT….REPORT IT….STOP IT….
