Penn State Issues Football Ticket Scam Warnings

Police and Penn State University officials have issued a warning to fans to be cautious about a possible ticketing scam ahead of Penn State's upcoming football season.

According to a Penn State statement, these scams have become more common in recent years, and fans are asked to purchase tickets only from reputable ticket vendors.

“As we approach the 2025 college football season, there is ongoing concern over fraudulent online ticket sales,” said Wesley Sheets, Penn State associate vice president and chief of police and public safety, to WJAC NBC 6. “We urge fans to be extremely careful when purchasing event tickets to avoid internet scams.”

University police had received more than 90 reports of ticketing scams last year. Most of these schemes targeted students who suffered financial losses.

Penn State officials noted that many of these schemes are conducted through social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and GroupMe. 

In many of the reported incidents, scammers used fake social media accounts to target fans and students, advertising tickets for sale that were not actually available. They often posted misleading photos and requested payment through online platforms like Venmo or Zelle, rather than using verified bank or credit card transactions. The scammers then deleted the accounts once the victims submitted payment.

Sheets noted that these fraudulent platforms make it more challenging to identify the scammers. That's why, he said, the public should use verified ticketing sources, such as Ticketmaster, to buy game-day tickets.

Individuals who believe they may have been the victim of a ticketing scam should contact university police at 814-863-1111 or through the online reporting portal.