Broncos Ticket Scammers Step Up Their Game During Playoffs

DENVER (CBS4) - The Denver Broncos road to the Super Bowl continues against the Baltimore Ravens this Saturday, and fans are ready. But with all the excitement comes a warning to watch out for ticket scammers.

4 On Your Side Consumer Investigator Jodi Brooks to a look at what to watch out for, whether buying or selling.

It's the playoffs and the scammers are stepping up their game. Fans have to be skeptical of anything too enticing, and just because a ticket looks authentic, it doesn't mean it is.

Ticketmaster has tickets going for up to $2,500. StubHub hits almost $4,000.

"We know that this is a high-profile game, got people out there trying to take advantage of people," Sonny Jackson with Denver police said.

Tickets cannot be sold a penny over face value in the city and county of Denver and cannot be sold on Sports Authority Field at Mile High property.

Most of the ticket exchanging is happening now online. Ticketmaster operates for the NFL and comes with a guarantee. StubHub also guarantees the validity of tickets. Craigslist does not offer that same protection.

"We ask people to really be cautious because there are those folks out there that want to sell you something that is not legitimate," Jackson said.

CBS4 obtained a copy of a phony ticket. Only an NFL official would be able to tell it's not real.

"This was actually a ticket we picked up earlier this year at the Pittsburgh game," Jackson said.

The ticket is now part of an active investigation.

Right now fans shouldn't expect any great deals. It's a playoff game and they're going to have to pay.

Never wire money outside of the country. If a seller says the only way to connect with them is by email, don't do it, especially if the phone number they give doesn't work.

Tickets sold in the secondary market are a multi-billion dollar business. It's urged to use common sense.

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