Better Business Bureau cautions fans about Super Bowl ticket scams, travel costs
San Francisco, CA – With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away and thousands of fans expected to visit the Bay Area, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding consumers that preparation is just as important as excitement when attending an event of this size.
“Events of this scale bring a lot of excitement, but they also bring higher prices and increased risk for consumers,” said Alma Galvan, spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau. “Planning ahead, buying tickets from trusted sources, and understanding travel and lodging costs can help fans avoid unnecessary stress and financial loss.”
Protect yourself before you buy
Tickets for the Super Bowl are among the most sought-after and most expensive in sports. Unfortunately, that demand also attracts scammers.
The BBB encourages fans to:
- Purchase tickets only from official sources or reputable resale platforms
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially those found on social media
- Avoid sellers who request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps with no buyer protection
- Use a credit card whenever possible, as this can add an extra layer of protection
Consumers should also take time to research sellers, read refund policies carefully, and confirm ticket delivery methods before completing a purchase.
Travel and transportation
The Bay Area is preparing for a significant surge in travel related to this sporting event. Airports, highways, and public transportation systems will all experience increased traffic.
The BBB advises travelers to:
- Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for security and delays
- Consider multiple airport options, including San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland
- Plan transportation to and from the stadium in advance, including public transit and rideshare options
Hotel accommodations
The BBB is also reminding travelers to budget carefully for lodging. Hotel prices across the region have increased dramatically for Super Bowl weekend.
BBB recommends that travelers:
- Book lodging as early as possible to avoid higher prices and limited availability
- Compare pricing across nearby cities
- Review cancellation policies and additional fees carefully before confirming reservations
- Verify websites before making any purchases
- Confirm reservation numbers and confirmation emails before traveling to the Bay Area
A final reminder to fans
The Super Bowl will be an unforgettable moment for all those in attendance. With smart planning, fans can enjoy the event and all that the Bay Area has to offer without unnecessary stress or financial loss.
Consumers who encounter suspicious ticket sellers or misleading travel offers are encouraged to report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
ABOUT BBB
The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB.org more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 725,000 times for BBB charity reports on 12,000 local and national charities. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada.
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