Better Business Bureau warns of ticket scams

The Better Business Bureau is warning fans to be wary of ticket scams with Major League Baseball games beginning in Chicago in the next few days and summer concert season on the horizon.

"Ticket sellers and scammers use the excitement and emotion of events like an opening day or hot shows to cash in on unsuspecting fans," Steve J. Bernas, Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois president and CEO, said in a statement. "Not only do they take money from consumers, but they are also taking money from legitimate businesses."

Even in the era of primarily electronic exchanges, tickets and QR codes for entry, buyers are warned to watch out for fake websites or tickets appearing on resale sites. Last year, the Better Business Bureau received hundreds of complaints on its BBB Scam Tracker website about ticket scams related to sporting events, concerts, theater and other events.

Here are some tips to reduce your risk of money or identity theft:

• Buy only from trusted vendors. Check out the seller or broker online at bbb.org to see previous customer reviews.

• Scammers are skilled at providing realistic passes and fake receipts, so avoid tickets sold on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other free online listings.

• Whenever possible, purchase from the venue box office directly or its online site. Most secure websites should begin with a hypertext link beginning with "https" and have a lock symbol on the address bar.

• Research your source. There are legitimate and accredited resellers or professional ticket brokers versus a ticket scalper or a scammer.

• Don't click through emails or online ads. Also, be wary of look-alike websites or similar web addresses.

• Research refund policies and transaction terms in case of cancellations or postponements.

• Use payment methods that come with protection like paying with a credit card. Money can be lost via debit cards, wire transfers or cash transactions if tickets are fraudulent.

• Many low-rated ticket sellers collect all your information before indicating sometimes exorbitant fees at the end of the transaction.

If you have spotted a scam or lost money, it can be reported at bbb.org/ScamTracker.