Protecting yourself from Super Bowl scammers

Reporter: Rich Kolko Writer: Jackie Winchester
Published: Updated:
Credit: via WINK News.

The Super Bowl means super opportunities for scammers.

One group says we spent $17 billion last year alone on things related to the Super Bowl.

The host committee is working to help keep your personal information safe.

The crowd may only be at one-third of capacity, but there are still plenty of volunteers and merchandise vendors. Each one has to provide personal data, and cyberhackers are expected.

Their gameplan: get your personal information.

Tampa-based cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest has been selected by the Super Bowl Host Committee to help protect the event. Joe Partlow is the chief technology officer.

“Making sure the stadium itself and the scoreboard and all the payment processing, making sure those are secure so that credit card numbers aren’t stolen or leaked out and sold on the dark web or internet,” Partlow said. “We’re also making sure the volunteer’s personal information isn’t leaked out to be used for identity theft or credit card theft.”

With limited seating – and the Bucs in the game – you can expect big crowds in and around Tampa. Even if you don’t go, you’re still vulnerable to scammers online, whether you’re trying to score tickets, T-shirts or some other game swag.

There are a few things you can do to make sure your data and money stay safe:

  • Check for secure websites;
  • Be alert for skimmers;
  • Keep your credit card in sight;
  • Deal only with reputable sellers; and
  • Don’t share your personal info.

This is more than just Game Day. A lot of pre-Super Bowl events will be starting up Friday.

RESOURCES
BBB Tip: Avoid Ticket Scams
Global Innovation Policy Center: Don’t Fall for Scams this Super Bowl
Identity Theft Recovery Steps

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