SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — If you're trying to find a precious ticket to San Diego Comic-Con this summer, watch out for villainous scammers scalping fake badges.
The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning that third-party sellers may sell fake badges.
"For consecutive years now, Comic-Con International has sold out in record time and obtaining a badge has become strenuous," the BBB writes. "One of the most pervasive scams BBB has found over the years is the reselling scam in which a scammer claims they bought a badge but can no longer attend the convention."
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Scammers may offer their fake badge, tricking customers into thinking they can change the name on their badge to theirs. But they can't and Comic-Con doesn't allow legitimate badge holders to do so.
"A key factor for consumers to remember is Comic-Con provides a refund at the buyer’s request, making it unnecessary to resell a ticket," BBB adds.
The BBB says another common scam with SDCC badges is scammers sell "extra tickets." Comic-Con badgeholders are limited to one ticket each, so third-party sellers can't have extra badges to sell.
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Most importantly, SDCC badges are non-transferable. Those who purchase badges using their SDCC Member ID account agree not to sell, trade, transfer, or share badge information.
"...If San Diego Comic-Con determines you have violated this policy, they have the right to cancel your badge without a refund. Thus, buying from a third-party seller is not only more expensive it may put the attendees at risk of being expelled from the event," the BBB says.
While Comic-Con 2019 badges are sold out, numerous off-site events packing just as much fun will be held around the San Diego Convention Center and throughout downtown. For more information on badge sales, visit Comic-Con's website here.
San Diego Comic-Con starts on Wednesday, July 17 with Preview Night and runs through Sunday, July 21.
