The University of Iowa Police Department is urging Hawkeye fans to be aware of common ticket scams and use official ticketing platforms as the season progresses.

Most scams reported so far this season have occurred through social media websites and instant messaging platforms.

The excitement of Hawkeye sports should never come at the cost of your hard-earned money and safety. Keep these tips in mind when securing tickets to avoid getting scammed:

• Buy from official sources. Purchase your tickets from the university’s official ticket office, or this year’s official ticketing partner, SeatGeek. Every ticket sold on SeatGeek for the Iowa Hawkeyes is verified and trusted, and all tickets sold are backed by SeatGeek’s Buyer Guarantee.
• Be wary of social media sales. Avoid buying tickets from people you don’t know on social media websites or messaging apps. Scammers often create fake profiles on these platforms using fraudulent photos to advertise available tickets that do not exist.
• Spot the signs of a scam. Scammers typically tell you to pay in a specific way. They may insist you buy gift cards, wire money, use cryptocurrency, or request payment in other ways than through a bank or credit card account (such as Venmo or Zelle). They also typically pressure you to act fast before you have time to think about their request and suspect something fishy.
• Check ticket prices. If you aren’t buying from an official source, research the average price for a ticket to the game you’d like to attend. If a seller is offering a ticket price that’s too good to be true, it probably is.
• Don’t share sensitive information with strangers. Never share a photo of your student ID, driver’s license, or payment cards with a stranger, even if it’s to “verify” your identity. It could be used to steal your identity or perpetuate a scam using your name and likeness.
• Meet in person and pay securely. Arrange to meet in a public place to exchange tickets and payment. This reduces the risk of getting scammed online. Bring a friend along for added security or consider making the exchange near a local law enforcement agency.
• Report suspected scams. If you believe you may be a victim of a ticketing scam, you are strongly encouraged to report the crime to the University of Iowa Police Department by calling 319-335-5022.