WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Attorney General Jeff Jackson is warning residents about ticket-sale scams ahead of the UNC-Duke men’s basketball game this weekend.
Jackson said social media posts on TikTok and other platforms are advertising tickets for the game at the Dean Smith Center on Feb. 7.
The scammers claim to be reselling their tickets due to a death in the family or another tragedy and request payment via platforms like Venmo or Zelle, only to send counterfeit tickets to the buyer.
“The UNC-Duke rivalry is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the country,” Jackson said. “Scammers are trying to exploit that excitement to trick fans into purchasing fake tickets. We want everyone to enjoy the game, not lose their hard-earned money to a scam.”
Fans should take the following precautions:
- Only buy tickets through established ticket sales sites.
- Always verify the URL in your browser by checking for a lock icon and ensuring the address starts with “https://”.
- Be skeptical of social media sellers claiming they need to sell tickets because of an emergency.
- Use a credit card rather than a debit card or peer-to-peer payment app.
- Check the refund policy.
- Remember that state law prohibits charging more than $3 over the face value of the ticket.
Anyone with concerns about their ticket purchase or the seller can file a complaint with the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Division online or by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
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