Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel urged Detroit Pistons fans on May 4 to be cautious when purchasing playoff tickets online, warning of potential scams targeting excited buyers and sellers.
The announcement comes as the Pistons advance to the second round of the playoffs, prompting increased demand for tickets. Nessel said scammers often exploit this enthusiasm by offering fake or overpriced tickets through deceptive websites and payment methods.
“After a thrilling first round, Pistons fans shouldn’t let their excitement be exploited by bad actors,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Do your research before purchasing and use reputable websites to ensure your tickets are legitimate.”
Nessel described several common scams affecting ticket buyers and sellers. Payment app schemes involve fraudsters using peer-to-peer services like Apple Pay, Cash App, Zelle, or Venmo to trick users into sending money for nonexistent tickets. She also warned about fake check scams in which buyers send counterfeit checks for more than the ticket price and request refunds from sellers before the checks bounce.
To avoid falling victim to these schemes, Nessel advised consumers to verify vendors’ reputations—researching them on trusted sources such as the Better Business Bureau—and always use secure websites that begin with “https.” She recommended paying with credit cards rather than cash or payment apps because credit cards offer dispute protections if events are canceled or tickets prove counterfeit. Consumers should also look for indicators of website security like a closed lock icon at checkout pages.
Complaints regarding online ticket purchases can be submitted to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team by mail, fax, phone at 877-765-8388, or through an online complaint form. As playoff excitement grows in Michigan, officials encourage vigilance among sports fans seeking legitimate ways to support their team.