GB police warn of counterfeit tickets

GREEN BAY - The postseason is underway for the Packers, and in less than two weeks Lambeau Field will host the NFL Divisional Playoffs.

There are still three possibilities for an opponent, But if you're planning to buy tickets on the secondary market, police and the Packers are warning of rip-offs.

As the Packers' first postseason game approaches, ticket brokers say demand has steadily increased.

"We started selling playoff tickets over a month ago once we knew for sure that there was going to be one home game," said Ticket King's Josh Anderson.

Anderson says $118 face value tickets are going for $189 at his Ashwaubenon business. Higher end tickets cost $400. So far, 500 have been sold.

"It's good, but I think a lot of people are waiting to see who we play and that will definitely affect demand," Anderson said.

Green Bay police and the Packers expect demand to rise and are warning fans counterfeit ticket crimes are also on the rise.

"In the Chicago Bears game, we received several victims of people who purchased counterfeit tickets, specifically that was through Craigslist, or an online source," said Green Bay Police Lt. Kevin Warych.

Police say about two dozen fake tickets were seized from victims.

That's why they stress fans should do their research and buy from a reputable ticket broker, so they know that the tickets are coming from a legitimate source.

Police say with increased technology it's harder to determine a real ticket from a fake one. However, there are some telltale signs. Police say if you look closely, the real ticket is usually larger than the fake ticket. Also the fake ticket is typically shinier and has a different feel to it. And the printing on the fake ticket may be less clear than on the real ticket.

If you wait until the last minute and buy your ticket outside Lambeau Field on game day, police say there is a way to protect yourself from any problems.

"There is a designated area near Armed Forces Drive and Oneida (Street) where people who have seller's permits through the city of Green Bay. They have the badge displayed on them that the person buying the tickets can look at and verify," said Warych.

The message: Awareness is key to avoid becoming a victim.