Protecting Yourself From College Football Scams

Football season is in full swing, and while you’re cheering on your favorite college team, scammers are playing their own game—targeting fans eager to score tickets. With scams blitzing unsuspecting fans left and right, it’s crucial to have a strong defensive play to ensure you make it to the game without fumbling your hard-earned cash.

Just like a good defense stops the opposition on the field, knowing how to spot scams can protect you off the field. While shady vendors and fake parking attendants at the game are usually easy to dodge, ticket scams can be harder to identify—especially when they’re sold online.

Let’s break down the playbook to help you stay one step ahead of scammers.

The Scam Play: How It Works

Most fake ticket sales happen online through platforms like Craigslist, eBay, or other third-party websites. A scammer might claim they have tickets but can no longer attend the game, offering the tickets at a discounted price for a “quick sale.” You’re excited, thinking you’ve scored a deal, and wire them the payment—only to realize too late you’ve been intercepted by a scam.

Here’s the kicker: You might never hear from them again or you could receive a phony ticket that looks legit but won’t get your though the gate. Ouch—that’s a penalty you don’t want!

How to Stay in the Game and Avoid Ticket Scams

If you don’t want to get sacked financially, follow these three key tips:

1. Watch for Red Flags

Just like an offside call, there are clear signs that should make you pause. When reading the seller’s post, does it sound too good to be true? Are they offering tickets for a price way below market value and asking for wired money or untraceable payments?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, it’s time to punt. Take your time to research the seller and report any suspicious activity to the website administrators.

2. Protect Yourself from a Financial Sack

Even if scammers try to sneak past your defenses, you can avoid getting tackled by being smart about how you pay. Avoid using third-party platforms like Venmo or Cash App—these services offer little to no buyer protection, meaning once the money is gone, it’s almost impossible to recover.

Instead, opt for payment methods that offer more security, like debit or credit cards from trusted financial institutions. Banks and credit unions, like Scott Credit Union, provide greater protection against fraudulent transactions and often allow you to dispute a charge if something goes wrong. Using these secure payment methods can help you stay in control, even if things don’t go according to plan.

3. Do Your Homework

The best offense is a good defense and that starts with doing your research. Buying tickets directly from the venue is your safest bet. But if you’re purchasing from a third party, take your time and ensure it’s a reputable platform like Ticketmaster or StubHub, where the tickets are verified.

Verify every detail of the ticket sale and communicate with the seller through multiple channels. ?If possible, arrange to meet in a safe, public space or speak with them on the phone. That way, if something feels off or goes wrong, you’ll have all the information necessary to report the fraud.

Score Big, Stay Safe

There’s nothing like the energy of being at a live college football game, but don’t let a scam spoil your experience. Keep your wits about you, use secure payment methods, and trust your instincts when something feels off. That way, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is whether your team makes it to the end zone.

At Scott Credit Union, your financial safety is our priority. We’re here to help you avoid falling victim to scams and protect what matters most to you. Check out our security videos on YouTube and view our security page to learn how to stay safe from scams. Let’s keep your financial dreams in the game—no penalties!