BBB Warns Consumers About Super Bowl Scams, Fraudulent Tickets, and Fake Merchandise

By-Hank Stolz

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Worcester, MA- Lisa Swanson, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central New England, joined Talk of the Commonwealth to discuss the surge in consumer scams tied to major sporting events, with a particular focus on the Super Bowl.

Swanson warned that fraudulent ticket sales, counterfeit merchandise, and illegitimate online betting platforms are among the most common schemes targeting consumers. She advised fans to purchase tickets directly from official venues whenever possible and to thoroughly research sellers on the secondary market. Resources such as BBB.org, she said, can help consumers verify businesses and identify patterns of complaints before making a purchase.

A recurring red flag, Swanson noted, is pricing that appears unusually low. “If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is,” she cautioned, emphasizing the importance of skepticism when shopping online during high-demand events.

Swanson also highlighted the Better Business Bureau’s broader role in the community, pointing to upcoming educational seminars designed to help consumers and businesses protect themselves from fraud. She clarified that BBB accreditation is not purchased, but earned through adherence to strict standards of trust, transparency, and ethical business practices.