Watch out for Super Bowl scams, counterfeit tickets, California officials say
Consumers should be on guard against counterfeit tickets and other Super Bowl-related scams, California officials warned.
Super Bowl LX kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots in a repeat of the 2015 game, won 28–24 by the Patriots.
“We all enjoy going to live shows and games to see our favorite artists or sports teams, but unfortunately scammers prey on our excitement,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta in a Feb. 2 news release.
How to avoid Super Bowl scams
Bonta encouraged consumers to protect themselves by adhering to the following tips:
- Buy tickets directly from official websites and authorized vendors.
- Check refund policies before using a third-party reseller. Do they offer a guarantee regarding the authenticity and timely arrival of the tickets?
- Never provide personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number, to protect yourself from fraud.
- Check the web address by ensuring the link starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon to ensure your credit card and billing information remain safe.
- Search for online reviews of the seller and look for complaints about scams.
- Use your credit card for purchases so you can dispute fraudulent charges. Instant payment platforms like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App may make it difficult to get your money back.
- Overly discounted tickets are another warning sign. “If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is,” officials said.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
File a complaint with the attorney general’s office at oag.ca.gov/report. You also can report the incident to the Better Business Bureau and FBI Internet Complaint Center.
This story was originally published February 3, 2026 at 9:13 AM with the headline "Watch out for Super Bowl scams, counterfeit tickets, California officials say."