The University of Iowa Police Department is urging Hawkeye fans to be aware of common ticket and merchandise scams.
Most scams recently reported to local law enforcement have occurred through social media websites and instant messaging platforms.
The excitement of Hawkeye sports should never come at the cost of your hard-earned money and safety. Keep these tips in mind when securing tickets or Hawkeye merchandise to avoid getting scammed:
- Buy from official sources. Purchase your tickets from the university’s official ticket office, or this year’s official ticketing partner, SeatGeek. Every ticket sold on SeatGeek for home games is verified and trusted, and all tickets sold are backed by SeatGeek’s Buyer Guarantee.
- Be wary of social media sales. Avoid buying tickets or merchandise from people you don’t know on social media websites, messaging apps, or online marketplaces. Scammers often create fake profiles on these platforms using fraudulent photos to advertise available tickets and merchandise that do not exist.
Look for the label. Officially licensed University of Iowa merchandise will display a holographic Collegiate Licensed Properties Association label, which assures the consumer that the product is legitimate. If you have questions regarding the status of a seller or merchandise being solicited, you can contact the University of Iowa Trademark Licensing Office at uilicensing@hawkeyelicensing.com. The university receives frequent reports from consumers who never receive the items/goods that they ordered from infringing sites.
Purchase officially licensed University of Iowa merchandise from known reputable retailers. Scammers and infringing parties use social media platforms to solicit and sell illegal and infringing merchandise that appropriates the federally registered trademarks of the University of Iowa. Infringing illegal merchandise can also include the unauthorized use of name, image, and likeness of Iowa players and coaches. Purchasing from scammers provides them with your personal and credit card information, potentially exposing you to fraud.
Don't share sensitive information with strangers. Never share a photo of your student ID, driver’s license, or payment cards with a stranger, even if it’s to “verify” your identity. It could be used to steal your identity or perpetuate a scam using your name and likeness.
- Spot the signs of a scam. Scammers typically tell you to pay in a specific way. They may insist you buy gift cards, wire money, use cryptocurrency, or request payment in other ways than through a bank or credit card account (such as Venmo or Zelle). They also typically pressure you to act fast before you have time to think about their request and suspect something fishy.
- Check ticket prices. If you aren’t buying from an official source, research the average price for a ticket to the game you’d like to attend. If a seller is offering a ticket price that’s too good to be true, it probably is.
- Don't share sensitive information with strangers. Never share a photo of your student ID, driver’s license, or payment cards with a stranger, even if it’s to “verify” your identity. It could be used to steal your identity or perpetuate a scam using your name and likeness.
- Meet in person and pay securely. Arrange to meet in a public place to exchange tickets and payment. This reduces the risk of getting scammed online. Bring a friend along for added security or consider making the exchange near a local law enforcement agency.
- Report suspected scams. If you believe you may be a victim of a ticketing scam, you are strongly encouraged to report the crime to the University of Iowa Police Department by calling (319)-335-5022.
Contact
Hayley Bruce, Public Information Officer, 319-384-0072