Sports fans beware: Counterfeit NHL merchandise on the rise during 2022 Stanley Cup Final

Large sporting events are prime targets for bad actors who are extremely savvy and often set up fake websites or e-commerce marketplaces with the sole intent of scamming sports fans.

Here are a few tips for sports fans to keep in mind when making purchases to avoid being victimized:

• Shop only at trustworthy retail locations, such as the official team stores, rather than buying items from street vendors, flea markets, online auctions or other questionable sources.
• When purchasing merchandise online, be aware that criminals often use legit product photos on their websites despite selling fraudulent products. Consumers are advised not to buy expensive items from third party websites.
• Only buy event tickets and/or collectibles from trustworthy sources.
• If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. While some counterfeiters may attract fans with a low-price tag or 2-for-1 deal, just as many try to legitimize their merchandise with a higher price point.
• Look out for ripped tags, poor quality, sloppy stitching, and irregular markings on apparel.
• Check statements – keep a record of purchases and copies of confirmation pages to compare against bank statements. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately.