NHL

Be Alert for Fake Sports Merchandise and Tickets

The Dallas Stars could advance to the Western Conference Semifinals with a win Sunday, and fans are celebrating.

But so, too, are crooks who see this trip to the playoffs as an opportunity to trip you up.

If you're looking to buy team merchandise, be careful. Every big event brings counterfeit products. Around the time of last year's Stanley Cup Finals, federal authorities found a couple hundred grand in phony merchandise.

Here's how to know your stuff is real:

Shop at authorized retail locations.

Look for ripped tags or irregular markings.

Also look for bad stitching and sometimes even misspelled words.

And remember, if the price seems to good to be true, it is.

The same goes for ticket deals. Research any ticket seller or broker before you buy. Check the broker's refund policy. Always use a credit card to pay. And check the seats ahead of time. That way you can avoid obstructed view seats or worse, seats that don't exist.

Contact Us