PERSPECTIVES FROM THE CAMPUS
One of the strengths of Indiana is that we bring together a variety of perspectives from the plethora of areas that touch the field of cyber, especially through the colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education throughout our state. Hence the name, “Perspectives from the Campus”, we invite experts – immersed in the pursuit of educating their students – to offer their knowledge for finding solutions in cybersecurity that benefit all Hoosiers.
In the latest installment of this series, David Dungan, who serves as the executive director at the Center for Security Services and Cyber Defense at Anderson University, discusses some important tips sports fans will want to follow when it comes to making sure that the tickets we’re buying for the game are genuine and purchased using a secure and trusted source. With the start of the professional (and college) football season just around the corner, the information is intended to help ensure that your game day experience is a memorable one.
By David Dungan
Football season is here, and Indianapolis Colts fans across Indiana are getting ready for another season of game-day excitement. Whether you are a longtime football fan or attending your first Colts game, buying tickets brings the same excitement every time. That is, until you arrive at Lucas Oil Stadium and discover that your tickets have already been redeemed, or never existed in the first place.
As Colts fans begin purchasing tickets for this season, scammers are also looking for opportunities to take advantage of your excitement as a fan. Fake tickets, social media listings, phishing links, and fraudulent ticket transfers are just some of the online scams that buyers should watch out for before making a purchase.
To ensure your tickets are authentic, there are a few tips you’ll want to follow to help ensure that you make it to the game and into the stadium, including:
Knowing who (and where) the seller is:
- Aim to purchase tickets through the Indianapolis Colts' official website, the official Colts mobile app, or established ticket marketplaces.
- The Colts use mobile ticketing at Lucas Oil Stadium. Fans should use the official ticketing system to access, transfer, or sell their tickets (and avoid using screenshots or any links/images you find are suspicious).
- Be cautious when looking at ticket deals on social media. A seller having a social media profile does not necessarily mean they are legitimate.
- Research the seller before making a purchase and look for warning signs such as a new account, pressure to pay immediately, or a price that seems unusually low.
- Be careful with websites that look like legitimate ticket sellers. Check the website address before entering payment or personal information.
Use a credit card, not a peer-to-peer purchasing site, such as Venmo or Zelle:
- Credit cards provide consumer and fraud protection, dispute resolution, and purchase protection.
- If a ticket purchase goes wrong or the event gets cancelled, you’re able to get the money back as credit cards give you chargeback rights.
Verify the ticket exists with different methods:
- Check the game details, including the opponent, date, section, row, and seat.
- Compare the price with tickets being offered through legitimate ticket marketplaces.
- If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Avoid accepting screenshots or copied images of tickets as proof that the ticket is legitimate.
- Be cautious of unexpected emails or text messages containing links to “claim” or “transfer” tickets. Instead of clicking the link, open the official Colts or ticketing app yourself.
- Remember that a picture of a ticket does not prove that you actually own a valid ticket.
Before the game, to keep your tickets safe, never post photos or screenshots showing a barcode, QR code, or booking numbers online. Scammers can copy these codes to steal your seats, duplicate entry passes, or access your personal account data.
Following these tips will help in turning your game day anticipation into a stress-free experience right up to kick-off!