Buyers beware! Online ticket scams occurring for Saturday’s Warriors-Pats game

By Jay D Haughton

The Moose Jaw Events Centre wants to make people aware of scammers on social media selling fake tickets to Saturday’s sold-out Moose Jaw Warriors game against Connor Bedard and the Regina Pats.

Circulating on social media within the city, there are many people who have been harassed by online scammers saying they have multiple tickets to the game.

The scammers are apparently using fake social media accounts with stolen family or personal photos to give off the appearance they are real and live in Moose Jaw.

Ryan McIvor, the Moose Jaw Events Centre general manager, says purchasing tickets through a scalper or third-party reseller can be very dangerous.

“They may have paid way more than they needed to, and they may not be legitimate. Therefore, there may be some disappointed people thinking they had tickets to the event,” McIvor said. “That’s something we are urging caution on if people are looking to buy tickets online leading up to the event.”

McIvor wanted to reiterate that the event is sold out and no more tickets are available to be purchased at the Moose Jaw Events Centre box office or online.

In addition to using caution when purchasing tickets from a third party, McIvor says there are a couple of dead giveaways that the tickets aren’t real.

“Did they pay more than face value for the tickets? That’s a giveaway,” McIvor said. “In addition, did they pay in a different currency? We find a lot of third-party sellers are charging in U.S. dollars. If you paid in U.S. dollars for the ticket, likely those tickets are not legitimate.”

The RCMP reminded consumers that they should employ all possible means to ensure that what they’re purchasing is legitimate and avoid buying items from individuals second-hand. Often the money is exchanged but the tickets are not.

If someone sends you a ticket electronically, there is a chance that it may not be valid as some people are selling the same electronically issued ticket multiple times.

Buyers should beware of all purchases and use caution on all online sales. Sometimes what looks like a deal ends up being a “steal,” as in the scammer who has stolen your money.

If you or someone comes across an online scam, report the incident to your local law enforcement agency.

The Moose Jaw Events Centre wants to make people aware of scammers on social media selling fake tickets to Saturday’s sold-out Moose Jaw Warriors game. (MJ Talks/Facebook)