California Issues Warning About Scams Aimed at LA 2028 Olympic Ticket Buyers
Attorney General Warns Californians About Olympic Ticket Scams
As excitement builds for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a warning about potential scams, particularly regarding counterfeit tickets. The alert comes as the event approaches and the demand for tickets escalates.
In a statement released Monday, Bonta urged Californians to exercise caution when making online ticket purchases and to avoid dubious ticket offers. He emphasized the importance of buying only from authorized vendors and utilizing secure payment methods to avoid falling victim to fraud. The alert specifically advised against using payment platforms such as Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App, as well as methods like gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, which are commonly associated with scams.
“Today, I remind Californians to be cautious around Olympic ticket sales, purchase only from authorized vendors, and protect their personal information. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” stated Bonta.
Feedback from potential buyers has also highlighted concerns, with many reporting that the advertised $28 ticket options were nonexistent, according to NBC Los Angeles reporter Lolita Lopez.
Global ticket sales for the LA28 Olympic Games officially opened on April 9, with the first phase of general sales—termed “Drop 1”—set to run through April 19. The LA28 organizing committee reported that over 4 million tickets were purchased worldwide during this initial sales phase.
“Californians are excited to welcome the world to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. Being a host city presents an opportunity for Californians to be part of this amazing and infrequent worldwide event,” Bonta remarked, expressing the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming games.
To further ensure safe ticket purchasing, the Attorney General’s office offers several additional recommendations:
- Understand the refund policy
- Safeguard personal information
- Check website security
- Be cautious of heavily discounted tickets
- Review the seller’s online reputation
The office also encourages individuals to verify sellers via trustworthy sources and report any suspicious activity. Victims of scams are urged to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office, the Better Business Bureau, or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
