Virginia man charged with selling bogus tickets to sporting events, concerts
A man accused of selling counterfeit tickets to the Carolina-Duke basketball game last month now faces more fraud charges.
Posted — UpdatedA man accused of selling counterfeit tickets to the Carolina-Duke basketball game last month now faces more fraud charges.
Raleigh police have charged Timothy Sumer, 30, of Arlington, Va., with seven counts of obtaining property by false pretense, 12 counts of attempted obtaining property by false pretense and 19 counts of criminal use of counterfeit trademark.
Investigators said he sold counterfeit tickets to Carolina Hurricanes games, North Carolina State University basketball games and some concerts.
Police recommend buying tickets directly from a venue. Anyone who chooses to buy from a scalper in a parking lot should ask for help, they said.
"Oftentimes, police officers are also located at these events. If you have some sort of question regarding the legitimacy of a ticket, I would encourage folks to contact one of the officers in the area who may be able to get in contact with the arena staff members to confirm the legitimacy of those tickets," Raleigh police Detective Al Draughton said.
Other tips to avoid being scammed:
- Examine your tickets closely
- Don't post your tickets on social media before the show
- Use payment methods that come with protection
- Request a copy of the seller's ticket receipt and ask to see a state-issued license
- Consider doing the transaction at a police station
Also, if a ticket price sounds unreal, it probably is, police said.
Draughton said investigators believe there are 12 victims they haven't yet been able to identify in the case. Anyone who thinks they purchased counterfeit tickets from Sumer is asked to call the Raleigh Police Department.
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