With the Arizona Diamondbacks heading to the World Series, Attorney General Kris Mayes is reminding baseball fans to watch out for possible ticket and lodging scams. The demand for World Series baseball tickets attracts scam artists who sell counterfeit tickets. Scam artists may also try to trick consumers seeking a place to stay during the World Series.

“As Arizonans cheer on the Diamondbacks as they head to the World Series, remember to safeguard yourself against curveballs that scam artists may throw your way,” said Attorney General Mayes. “Whether you’re purchasing tickets or looking for a place to stay, always remember to step up to the plate with caution. Your vigilance is the best defense against falling victim to fraudsters.”

In addition to selling counterfeit tickets, scam artists may try to sell home-printed tickets to multiple consumers or sell original tickets that have been voided because they have already been re-sold via online ticket re-selling websites.

Those seeking lodging should beware that scam artists may pose as a hosting site, lead you to believe you have lodging accommodations, request payment from you, and then disappear with your hard-earned money leaving you with no place to stay.

Attorney General Mayes offers the following tips to consumers:

Purchasing Tickets

• Buy tickets only from trusted vendors.
• Be wary of purchasing tickets from someone you don’t know on Craigslist, eBay, or other similar person-to-person marketplace or auction sites. 
• Do not pay for tickets with cash, wire transfer, gift cards or pre-paid money transfer. Scam artists often request payment methods that are difficult to trace or recover. If the tickets turn out to be fake, it is highly unlikely you will get your money back. If you pay by credit card and the tickets turn out to be fake, you can dispute the charge.
• If you plan on using a mobile wallet or peer-to-peer payment service, be sure you understand the protections the service provides before making a transaction.
• Be wary of advertisements with low prices.  Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Lodging

• When booking online, be cautious about making reservations with unknown people or businesses.  Make sure you receive a written confirmation of your reservation.  Legitimate businesses will provide a written confirmation of your reservation.
• Avoid rental companies or individuals listing rental properties who can’t be reached by phone during normal business hours, who tell you that they are out of state or out of country, or who request communication via text only.
• Remember, scam artists often request payment methods that are difficult to trace or recover. If you pay by credit card and there is a problem, you generally have greater protections than other forms of payment.

If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the www.azag.gov/consumer. If you need a complaint form sent to you, contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.