How to Avoid Super Bowl Ticket Scams in 2025

Super Bowl Ticket Scams Are a Growing Concern

As the Super Bowl approaches, millions of fans are looking for tickets, streaming options, and last-minute travel plans. With demand at its peak, scammers see an opportunity to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers through fraudulent ticket sales, phishing scams, and fake giveaways.

Each year, reports of counterfeit Super Bowl tickets, unauthorized resale platforms, and identity theft scams increase. If you're planning to buy tickets online, it's essential to recognize the warning signs and take steps to protect yourself.

The Most Common Super Bowl Ticket Scams

1. Fake Ticket Resales on Third-Party Websites

Scammers frequently list fraudulent Super Bowl tickets on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and unauthorized resale platforms, advertising tickets at attractive prices. Buyers often discover the tickets are invalid only when they arrive at the stadium.

The FBI has previously warned about counterfeit ticket sales during major sporting events. In past years, individuals have lost thousands of dollars after purchasing fake Super Bowl tickets from sellers who disappeared after payment.

How to Avoid This Scam:

• Purchase tickets only from official sources like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or the NFL’s verified resale program.

• Be wary of sellers offering below-market prices, as scammers use these tactics to attract buyers.

• Verify the legitimacy of any third-party seller before making a purchase.

2. Phishing Emails and Fake Ticket Sales Websites

Scammers send convincing emails and text messages that appear to be from legitimate ticket vendors such as Ticketmaster or the NFL. These messages often claim to offer "exclusive access" to last-minute deals and direct recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal login credentials and credit card information.

Cybersecurity firms have reported an increase in phishing campaigns targeting Super Bowl fans. In previous years, attackers have used fake ticket sales websites that mimicked official platforms, tricking users into entering personal and payment details.

How to Avoid This Scam:

• Carefully check the sender’s email address—official vendors use recognizable domains, not random Gmail or Outlook accounts.

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails; instead, visit the official website directly by typing the URL in your browser.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all accounts to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

3. Fake Super Bowl Ticket Giveaways on Social Media

Social media platforms are frequently used to promote fraudulent ticket giveaways, where users are asked to submit personal information or pay a "processing fee" to claim their prize. These scams exploit trust, often leading to identity theft or financial loss.

There have been multiple reports of fraudulent Super Bowl contests promoted through social media ads, where users were required to provide sensitive personal details. Many victims later found their accounts compromised or experienced unauthorized charges on their bank accounts.

How to Avoid This Scam:

• Be cautious of giveaways that request personal or payment information beyond basic contact details.

• Never pay to enter a contest—legitimate giveaways do not require payment.

• Verify the authenticity of any promotion by checking official NFL or sponsor websites.

How to Stay Secure When Buying Super Bowl Tickets

To minimize risk when purchasing Super Bowl tickets, follow these cybersecurity best practices:

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords—Credential stuffing attacks are common, and using a password manager can help secure your accounts.
   
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)—This ensures that even if a scammer obtains your credentials, they cannot access your accounts.
   
3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions—Hackers often create fake Wi-Fi networks to intercept login details and payment information.
   
4. Monitor Bank Statements for Suspicious Activity—If you’ve entered details into a suspicious site, check for unauthorized transactions.
   
5. Stay Informed About Ongoing Scams—Organizations like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regularly issue alerts on common fraud tactics.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Accounts and Enjoy the Game

The Super Bowl should be an exciting event, but it’s also a prime opportunity for scammers to exploit fans. With ticket demand at an all-time high, fraudulent resale offers, phishing scams, and social media hoaxes are more sophisticated than ever.

By purchasing only from trusted platforms, recognizing the warning signs of scams, and securing your online accounts, you can enjoy the game without unnecessary risk.

Using a password manager can further protect your online security by generating strong passwords, preventing credential leaks, and ensuring that even if one account is compromised, others remain safe.

Stay vigilant, stay secure, and enjoy the Super Bowl with confidence.