While the ticket marketplace for the Super Bowl has grown more sophisticated through the use of secure online distribution channels and ticket technology, many ticket buyers can still be victims of fraud 

In a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell, Klobuchar encourages the NFL to take steps to address common fraud schemes

WASHINGTON, DC – Ahead of Super Bowl LII, which will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has urged the National Football League (NFL) to combat ticket fraud. While the ticket marketplace for the Super Bowl has grown more sophisticated through the use of secure online distribution channels and ticket technology, many ticket buyers can still be victims of fraud. In a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell, Klobuchar encourages the NFL to take steps to address common fraud schemes.

“I write to urge the National Football League to take action to combat ticket fraud in advance of Super Bowl LII in Minnesota. As you know, the Super Bowl is one of the largest single-day events in the world,” Klobuchar wrote. “While the ticket marketplace for the Super Bowl has grown more sophisticated through the use of secure online distribution channels and ticket technology, many ticket buyers can still be victims of fraud. As Super Bowl LII approaches, I encourage the NFL to take steps to address common fraud schemes.”

“For decades, the NFL has focused on helping fans safely and securely purchase tickets to our games, including for our most popular event – the Super Bowl,” stated Jocelyn Moore, the NFL’s Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs. “As we prepare for Super Bowl LII in Minnesota, the NFL will continue to implement technological improvements to deter counterfeiting and looks forward to working closely with Senator Klobuchar as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement to combat ticket fraud and to help protect consumers.”

As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Klobuchar has been a leader in protecting consumers from ticket bots. Last December, the Klobuchar-backed bipartisan Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016 was signed into law by the President. The law prohibits the use of ticket bots and other online measures in order to deliberately circumvent security protocols that limit or restrict online ticket purchases. In May, she and a bipartisan group of senators also introduced the Stop Online Booking Scams Act to protect consumers from illegitimate third party websites that trick consumers into thinking they are making reservations directly with hotels.

The full text of Klobuchar’s letter is below.

Dear Commissioner Goodell,

I write to urge the National Football League (NFL) to take action to combat ticket fraud in advance of Super Bowl LII in Minnesota. As you know, the Super Bowl is one of the largest single-day events in the world. While the ticket marketplace for the Super Bowl has grown more sophisticated through the use of secure online distribution channels and ticket technology, many ticket buyers can still be victims of fraud. As Super Bowl LII approaches, I encourage the NFL to take steps to address common fraud schemes.

Large events like the Super Bowl can involve several forms of ticket fraud. Some online fraudsters exploit the name recognition of venues like U.S. Bank Stadium by creating fake websites with similar names or manipulating search results. These websites charge consumers inflated prices or even sell fake tickets. In recent years, they have intensified their operations in the weeks before the Super Bowl.

Some ticket buyers also experience fraud on the secondary market by paying high prices for tickets that they may never receive. Although the NFL does not control secondary market ticket sales, I encourage you to work with the NFL’s official partner for facilitating ticket exchanges to reduce fraud.

In addition to online fraud, counterfeit and stolen tickets are often used to target Super Bowl attendees. Counterfeiters now have access to sophisticated printers and other technology that can be used to produce convincing replica tickets. I encourage the NFL to coordinate with local law enforcement to help prevent the sale of counterfeit or stolen tickets.

Super Bowl LII promises to be an exciting event that will showcase the best the Twin Cities has to offer. I look forward to working with you to help ensure a successful Super Bowl LII in Minnesota.

Sincerely,

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