(The Center Square)– Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is warning residents and visitors alike about World Series ticket and accommodation scams, as the Major League Baseball championship is headed to Phoenix next week.
“As Arizonans cheer on Diamondbacks as they head to the World Series, remember to safeguard yourself against curveballs that scam artists may throw your way,” Mayes said in a statement Wednesday. “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.”
Specifically, her office is asking people to only purchase tickets from “trusted vendors” and to take extra caution if someone is buying them from a website like Craigslist or eBay. They also suggest paying with a credit card in case a ticket turns out to be fake, so that way the charge can be disputed, which cannot be done with cash or wire transfer.
In addition, they said to be careful of advertisements offering unusually low World Series ticket prices, as they normally are hundreds or thousands of dollars.
As for lodging, the Attorney General’s office advises that there is a written confirmation of a booking reservation. They also suggest making sure there is an easy way, preferably by phone, to talk with whoever is in charge of lodging accommodation, whether it’s an individual owner or a company.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are headed to their first World Series since 2001, and games three, four, and possibly five will be played at Chase Field next week, according to 12 News. They face the Texas Rangers.
The Phoenix area tends to see an increase in tourism in the fall due to the weather, and the World Series could provide an additional boost during the days of the games.
This is one of many major sporting events to be held in Arizona recently, with the Super Bowl in February and the World Baseball Classic in March as MLB Spring training that began in February and ran through March. Phoenix is currently preparing to host the NCAA’s Men’s Final Four in April 2024.
