How to spot counterfeit Vikings-Packers tickets

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The Minnesota Vikings are warning fans of the continued presence of counterfeit and stolen tickets ahead of Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. These tickets are typically sold over the internet and by secondhand sellers near stadiums on game day.

Because of the Vikings ticket-scanning process, fans who unknowingly purchase counterfeit tickets may not be able to access the stadium and could be subject to an investigation. If a person is already in the stadium and is caught in possession of a fraudulent ticket, they will be ejected and could be subject to arrest.

The only authorized outlets for Vikings football tickets are the Vikings ticket office, Ticketmaster and the NFL TicketExchange. Purchasing tickets from any other sources are done at the buyer's own risk and ticket selling on TCF Bank Stadium property is illegal.

If you are buying tickets on the street:

Scrutinize the tickets closely for any inaccuracies or alterations, and cross-check the seat assignment and prices with a stadium map printed from www.vikings.com before you buy.

Check the back of the ticket to see if it appears to have been photo copied.

Never buy an eTicket or TicketFast ticket (printed on 8½” x 11” paper) from anyone. Most counterfeits are eTickets or TicketFast tickets.

All Vikings single game tickets are numbered in sequential order on the back of the ticket. The number is printed 3 times on each ticket in red ink.

Very few Vikings tickets are sold on Ticketmaster ticket stock. If you are buying tickets on the street and they are Ticketmaster stock they are most likely counterfeit.

Ask the person who is selling tickets on the street if you could take a photo with their valid ID before the transaction. If they refuse, move on.

If you are buying tickets online:

Only the Vikings ticket office, Ticketmaster and the NFL TicketExchange can guarantee the ticket you purchase online will be valid to attend the event.

Look for the BBB online seal. The logo will tell you that you’re dealing with a company that has a good reputation.

When buying from an individual through an online exchange, don’t be lured away from the website by the seller. Even if you met the seller on the exchange website, the company may not guarantee any lost money if a transaction occurs outside their domain.

If you buy tickets through an online auction, choose a seller with a long, continuous history of satisfied customers. Scammers can hijack old accounts, so make sure they have recently bought or sold other items.

Pay with a credit card or through PayPal, which offer some protection and potential reimbursement. Never pay with a cashier’s check or wire money to a seller; you’ll have no way to get your money back if the tickets do not arrive.