As All-Star Week descends upon San Diego, Major League Baseball officials are warning the public to be on the lookout for counterfeit merchandise and tickets.
MLB officials said undercover investigators will be keeping a watchful eye on what is being sold during All-Star Week in America's Finest City. Additionally, law enforcement officials will be enforcing local ordinances, vendor permit requirements, and state and federal counterfeiting laws.
"Criminals come to our hot market events like the All-Star Game to try and prey on the innocent victim -- the fan, the consumer who wants to make an impulse purchase," said Major League Baseball Senior Vice President of Legal, Business & Club Affairs Ethan Orlinksy.
When it comes to tickets, MLB officials said specific event tickets have obvious security measures, but they also have covert ones.
Consumers are advised to look for the unique barcode, watermarkers, special inks. Souvenir tickets have raised lettering, officials noted.
To avoid purchasing counterfeit souvenirs, MLB officials offer the following tips to fans:
-- look for the hologram sticker or holographic hangtag with raised red baseball stitching design
-- look for a sewn-in or screen-printed label, or notice identifying a licensee that has been authorized by Major League Baseball properties to produce "official" merchandise
-- beware of ripped tags or irregular markings on apparel
-- shop at MLB-authorized retail locations, such as the Padres team store located at Petco Park and shop.MLB.com, rather than buying items from itinerant street vendors, flea markets or other questionable sources
San Diego police Chief Shelley Zimmerman said her department wants to make sure the public does not fall victim to scams.
"We want people to come out, have a great time, enjoy the festivities, but also not get scammed," Zimmerman said.
