When excitement builds for postseason games, so does the risk of ticket scams. The Texas Department of Agriculture and Trade Commission (DATCP) issued a consumer‑safety alert urging fans across the state to be vigilant when buying playoff tickets.

Key warning from DATCP

“When there is demand for playoff tickets, scammers come out of the woodwork to rip off excited sports fans,” said Secretary Randy Romanski. “Be skeptical of too‑good‑to‑be‑true offers, sellers offering ticket printouts or photocopies, and requests to pay by wire transfer or pre‑paid debit card.”

Four steps to protect yourself

DATCP outlined a short checklist for fans to follow before completing any ticket purchase:

• Choose reputable and official sources – Buy directly from the team’s official website, authorized ticket vendors or the venue’s box office.
• Protect your payment method – Avoid wire transfers, prepaid debit cards or cash‑only deals. Use credit cards that offer fraud protection.
• Properly verify digital tickets and security features – Look for barcodes, QR codes and official branding. Confirm the ticket’s authenticity with the seller or the venue.
• Recognize common red flags – Prices far below face value, urgent pressure to act quickly, or sellers who refuse to provide a verifiable contact address should raise suspicion.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If a fan discovers they have been duped, DATCP advises taking immediate action:

• Contact the financial institution used for the transaction to report fraud.
• File a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
• Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Keeping records of all communications, receipts and screenshots will help authorities investigate the scam.

Why the warning matters

Playoff games draw large crowds and generate high demand for tickets, creating a lucrative market for dishonest actors. By sharing these guidelines, DATCP aims to safeguard Texas families and ensure that fans can enjoy the excitement of postseason sports without falling victim to fraud.

Secretary Romanski emphasized that the department’s role includes protecting consumers from deceptive practices, especially during high‑profile events. “We want fans to focus on cheering for their teams, not worrying about losing money to scammers,” he said.

Fans are encouraged to spread the word to friends and family, helping the community stay informed and secure. For additional resources on consumer protection, visit the DATCP website or call the Texas Consumer Protection Hotline at 1‑800‑555‑HELP.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.