Ohio State Buckeyes fans are buzzing with excitement as the team heads to the College Football Playoff National Championship to face off against Notre Dame on Monday, January 20, 2025. It’s the Buckeyes’ first national title appearance since 2020, and the energy is palpable. But before you grab your scarlet and gray gear and snag those last-minute tickets, a word of caution: scammers are lurking, ready to prey on your fandom.
From fake tickets and counterfeit jerseys to shady betting schemes, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is sounding the alarm about the risks Buckeye Nation could face. Here’s how to enjoy the big game without falling for a scam.
Spotting Ticket Scams: What to Watch For
High-stakes games mean high demand for tickets—and unfortunately, scammers know how to play the game. Common red flags include:
- Tickets that never arrive or turn out to be fake.
- Disappearing sellers who vanish after your payment clears.
- Unauthorized charges on your credit card after a ticket purchase.
- Tickets with someone else’s name on them, hinting they’ve been resold multiple times.
- Don’t let these scams bench your game-day plans. Stick to official sources like the venue or verified ticket resellers. And if you spot a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Score Big Without Getting Scammed
To avoid getting sacked by fraudsters, here are some tips straight from the BBB playbook:
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Buy Smart: Use trusted sources and payment methods with buyer protection, like credit cards.
Do Your Research: Check reviews on BBB.org and verify sellers through sites like VerifiedTicketSource.com.
Double-Check the Details: Make sure seat numbers, rows, and sections match the venue.
Avoid Peer-to-Peer Payments: Apps like Venmo and CashApp don’t offer purchase protections, so steer clear.
Beware the Fake Swag
Counterfeit merchandise is another scam targeting Buckeye fans. That “exclusive” jersey or commemorative item you snagged online could be a cheap knockoff—or worse, never show up at all.
Look out for low-quality items, misspelled logos, or suspiciously cheap prices. And always verify that you’re buying from a legitimate seller before hitting “add to cart.”
What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed
If you fall victim to a scam, don’t let it ruin your game-day spirit. Here’s how to fight back:
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Report it: File a report on BBB Scam Tracker to warn others.
Dispute charges: Contact your credit card company to reverse fraudulent transactions.
Stay informed: Sign up for BBB Scam Alerts to keep up with the latest schemes.
As Buckeye Nation rallies behind the team, don’t let scammers steal the joy of this monumental moment. Stay smart, stay cautious, and enjoy the game—because this is a championship season we’ll never forget.
Featured image by Christin Hume on Unsplash