The Super Bowl and final game for beloved Baltimore Raven, Ray Lewis, are right around the corner! Better Business Bureau is warning Ravens fans to be on the lookout for counterfeit memorabilia, phony tickets and travel scams.
Counterfeit Jerseys and Other Clothing
There is one really good reason not to buy counterfeit goods: counterfeit items are stolen goods. Someone has stolen your team’s name and trademark-protected logo for their own profit. Counterfeit items are often more cheaply made, which means they won’t last as long as the real thing.
Last year, BBBs across the country, including BBB | Greater Maryland found unlicensed websites advertising Baltimore Ravens merchandise along with other NFL and professional teams. While patrons of sites like www.nfljerseyswhole.com, which was later seized by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for copyright infringement, reported a variety of experiences, buying counterfeit jersey's or other items is risky behavior and could cost you money and lead to financial identity theft.
A look-a-like site has come to BBB's attention as a result of a consumer complaint received by BBB | Greater Maryland this week.
"My credit card was charged 59.99 but I did not receive the product," wrote the complainant to BBB. "I sent them a message through their website and have not heard a response."
NFLno17.com (http://www.probaltimoreravens.com/) claims to be a Baltimore Ravens Official Team Store; however, BBB could not find a physical address associated for the alleged company and a Whois domain search shows that the website was just created this month and is registered in China. Fans may be blinded by purple, but a Chinese domain is a bright red flag that the site is not "official."
Another warning flag is the unlicensed use of the BBB Accredited Business seal on the site. Consumers should be aware that a BBB Accredited Business seal or logo should always link to the company's BBB Business Review. BBB does not review or accredit businesses outside the U.S. or Canada.
The Lewis Legacy
Ray Lewis' signature was already commanding hundreds of dollars on the sports memorabilia market. But with his announcement of retirement following the Super Bowl, number 52's signature is generating a lot of interest. Sadly, duped buyers who purchase counterfeit memorabilia don't just come up short in quality, but value. A forged signature will be worthless to a collector.
To get official sports gear, buy directly from the team's website, http://www.baltimoreravensstore.com/, or from official vendors at the stadium or authorized retailers. For memorabilia, you want to check out the seller's reputation, choose a trusted seller at www.bbb.org, look for certificates of authenticity, know the market value and make an educated purchase.
Ticket Scams
Between now and Super Bowl Sunday, thousands of tickets will be listed on classifieds websites, offering buyers little protection from dishonest sellers. BBB suggests making a game plan. Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events of the year, San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens fans can expect to pay a premium for their tickets. Most Super Bowl tickets have advertised starting prices in excess of $2,000.
Follow these tips when looking for a Super Bowl XLVII game ticket:
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Ticket brokers should provide clear details concerning the terms of the transaction. For instance, whether the tickets are guaranteed; how they will be sent to you and the time frame for delivery; and the broker’s refund, rescheduling and cancellation policies. Ask about surcharges.
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Go to www.bbb.org to find a trustworthy supplier or reseller. Choose reliable and verifiable sellers and resellers. Sites such as Ticketmaster and Stub Hub guarantee your tickets’ authenticity.
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Do not buy tickets from Internet sites that are not secure or lack a privacy policy; fail to disclose their refund, rescheduling and cancellation policies; do not provide a telephone number and fixed place of business; or insist on cash payment.
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Verify the location of the seats on a seating chart to avoid being misled into purchasing obstructed view seats or seats that do not exist.
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Pay with a credit card or third party payment processors, such as PayPal, which offers additional protection and allows you to track your purchase.
If considering a travel package:
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According to the U.S. government's “Truth in Ticketing” rules, tour operators advertising a Super Bowl travel package that includes a flight and game tickets are required to have the game tickets in hand or a written contract for the tickets.
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Go to www.bbb.org to find a trustworthy travel agent or tour company.
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The details of the package should be listed in writing, including final price, travel itinerary, rescheduling and cancellation penalties, delivery information and all other specifics of the package, including the name of the hotel and airline.
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Pay with a credit card or third party payment processors, such as PayPal, which offers additional protection and allows you to track your purchase.
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Follow up with the travel promoter a few days before departure to confirm all reservations.
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Be skeptical of a postcard or phone solicitation saying you've been selected to receive a Super Bowl travel package.
Avoid scams by being skeptical of:
