COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the excitement for Super Bowl 2024 builds up, the Better Business Bureau is cautioning fans to be vigilant against counterfeit merchandise and scams when shopping for team gear and sports memorabilia.

With the ease of online shopping, distinguishing genuine products from fakes has become increasingly challenging. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to exercise caution, especially when encountering merchandise through social media ads or quick web searches.

According to reports, unsuspecting victims have fallen prey to fraudulent websites that accept credit card payments, send confirmation emails, and then fail to deliver the purchased items. In some cases, the received items are significantly different from what was originally ordered. Furthermore, the websites themselves often vanish when customers attempt to contact them.

To safeguard against such scams, the Better Business Bureau recommends thorough research on a company before making a purchase. This includes verifying the company’s contact information and assessing its presence on social media platforms. Additionally, consumers are advised to be wary of unusually low prices, as they could be indicative of potential scams.

When making purchases, the organization suggests using credit cards and ensuring that transactions occur on secure websites with ‘https’ in the address. Wire transfers and prepaid debit cards are discouraged due to the lack of recourse in case of fraudulent transactions.

Even when dealing with legitimate sellers, the Better Business Bureau urges fans to exercise caution and ensure they are fully aware of the products they are purchasing. The distinction between ‘game-used’ and ‘game-issued’ items is highlighted, with the former having been worn in a game, while the latter may have been created for use but not actually worn.

Autographs also pose a potential challenge, with consumers advised to look for certificates of authenticity (COA) that provide comprehensive details about the issuer and their contact information. The organization warns against vague listings that claim items are ‘hand-signed’ without specifying the signer.

Furthermore, the Better Business Bureau cautions individuals participating in charity auctions to remain vigilant, as scammers may donate fake memorabilia. Bidders are advised to scrutinize price disparities and authentication processes to avoid falling victim to such schemes.

Finally, the organization emphasizes the importance of working with sellers who offer a full refund guarantee in case of fraudulent transactions.

As the Super Bowl 2024 approaches, it is crucial for fans to exercise diligence and caution when purchasing team gear and sports memorabilia to avoid falling victim to counterfeit merchandise and scams.