Looking For Cubs World Series Tickets? Be Very Careful How You Buy

Friday night, Wrigley Field will host its first World Series game since 1945, and as you might imagine, there are several million people who would love to score some tickets to that game or the two games that follow it. No surprise, there are more than a few bad apples out there who would love to take your money, then leave you high and dry.

Chicago Cubs World Series tickets are just about the hottest "get" in America right now, and, as you know, that means big money is being thrown around for the chance to grab a seat in the "Friendly Confines."

However, as Illinois' Attorney General Lisa Madigan puts it:

“Cubs fans have been waiting a lifetime to see their team play in the World Series, but don’t let the quest to ‘Fly the W’ let you fall victim to an expensive scam."

You want the thrill of a lifetime to turn into nightmare? Show up at Wrigley Field with counterfeit tickets. Being turned away from a seismic event like this will certainly create a memory for you, just not the one you were hoping for.

The Illinois Attorney General has some tips when it comes to special event tickets:

• Don’t buy tickets from private parties. The tickets may be counterfeit. This includes avoiding any offers on online message boards (like Craigslist) or social media platforms.
• Don’t pay cash for tickets. Consumers should only deal with a seller who accepts credit card payments or other secure payment methods. Consumers are urged not to buy tickets from an unsecured website. Consumers should also be wary of online escrow sites, especially those recommended by a seller. If an escrow site is suggested, the consumer should independently investigate whether the site is legitimate.
• Never wire any payment to a seller for any reason. Buyers may be told that they will receive tickets after wiring money to an unknown seller. In many of these instances, the consumer becomes a victim of fraud. When buying online, consumers are urged to never wire money to anyone and should avoid using prepaid cards, debit cards or any other alternative method to purchase tickets. Purchasing tickets from a seller that accepts credit cards give consumers recourse to request a chargeback from their credit card company if the tickets are not delivered or are counterfeit. Investigate a ticket broker. If dealing with a ticket broker, determine whether the broker is a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (www.natb.org) and the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org). Both organizations have membership standards that promote ethical business conduct.

For more of the AG's tips on avoiding a scam, click here.

If you believe you're a victim of a ticket scam, you can call the Consumer Fraud Hotline at 800-386-5438. You can also file a complaint at Madigan's website.

Be careful, ticket buyers. You don't want an "L" on your forehead while the Cubs are "Flying the W."