Don't Get Caught With Your Sox Down

As Shane Victorino's grand slam sailed over the Green Monster late Saturday night, Red Sox fans throughout the region began celebrating another trip to the World Series, delirious at the prospect of a third world championship in a decade.

Who doesn't want to be at Fenway Park Wednesday or Thursday night as the hometown team hosts the St. Louis Cardinal's to start the best-of-seven series? Many fans would give their left arm for a chance to be in the stadium for a playoff game.

It's that kind of excitement and desire to see the team win that puts some fans at risk of being scammed. Attorney General Peter Kilmartin is urging Rhode Islanders to rein in their excitement just a bit to have a clear focus and avoid the inevitable scammers that will take advantage of a loyal fan base.

"Excitement over the Red Sox' redemption season and the team's first World Series appearance since 2007 have fans scrambling for tickets to see the hometown bearded heroes take on the St. Louis Cardinals. Unfortunately, there are those who are ready to take advantage of that enthusiasm and excitement with offers of fake ticket packages and inflated prices," Kilmartin said in a press release. "Whenever there is a demand for tickets, scam artists will try to take advantage."

Specifically, Kilmartin warned fans to be on the look-out for scammers selling counterfeit tickets, or even trying to sell tickets they don't actually have. He urged fans to verify the tickets before handing over any cash. Kilmartin also offered the following tips:

• When purchasing tickets, try to buy tickets directly from the MLB or an MLB-approved ticket broker. 
• Before buying tickets, check the event website and make sure the seats actually exist in the section you are requesting. 
• If you go through a ticket broker, do your homework. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the ticket broker or agency. 
• If you plan on doing business with a ticket broker in another state, check that state's ticket reseller statutes. It is against the law in Rhode Island to overly inflate the price of tickets. As outlined in RI General Laws § 55-22-6, ticket sellers may not charge a service fee of more than $3 or 10 percent (whichever is greater) of the price printed on the ticket. 
• Always pay by credit card. Do not wire funds or pay by cash. A credit card may provide some protection if you do not receive the tickets or if they turn out to be counterfeit. 
• Ask the seller to email or fax a copy of the actual tickets before making a payment. Make sure the ticket information includes the correct date, time, location and seating details.