Better Business Bureau provides tips for avoiding counterfeit championship merchandise

RALEIGH, NC (News Release) – The Carolinas have been buzzing with sports-related excitement in the aftermath of the Carolina Hurricanes winning the Stanley Cup and as the FIFA World Cup matches ramp up. Those looking to support their favorite teams may be on the hunt for new merchandise.

Better Business Bureau, Eastern Carolinas (BBB) wants to provide consumers with tips on spotting counterfeit merchandise before they hand over their hard earned money.

“It has been a huge month for local sports fans as the United States helps host the FIFA World Cup, and our Carolina Hurricanes make the most of their Stanley Cup victory,” said Mallory Wojciechowski, BBB President and CEO. “For consumers looking to support their favorite team, take time to research official retailers and assure you are using a secure payment platform.”

48 teams competed at the start of the FIFA World Cup, making the largest bracket in the tournament’s history. Increased participation has meant increased interest and fan engagement. In the United States, hosting these matches has been projected to provide $17.2 in gross domestic product.

Meanwhile, locally, the Carolina Hurricanes secured their first Stanley Cup win in twenty years. This victory has resulted in numerous celebrations and exclusive merchandise drops.

Some shops including the Carolina Pro Shop saw long lines of fans looking to grab official Hurricanes gear.

The demand and dollar signs surrounding both events should have consumers wary of alleged deals and third-party sites pushing merchandise.

How to avoid sports merchandise scams:

• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If the price of an item, collectible or not, is significantly less than what it is on other well-known retailers’ sites, this is a red flag that it might be a scam.
• Research the company before you purchase. If the company is unfamiliar, check BBB.org to see if they have a BBB Business Profile or BBB Scam Tracker to see if anyone else has reported them as a scam. Look for contact information on the website, such as a phone number or brick-and-mortar address, as well as a robust social media presence to help determine if the company indeed does exist.
• Never wire money or use a prepaid debit card as payment. Scammers often request both payment types, and once the money is gone, there is no way to get the money back. Instead, make online purchases with a credit card and only on secure (https) websites.
• Double-check COAs: Certificates of authenticity (COAs) are the norm for memorabilia purchases, especially for costly items —so it’s likely that scammers will try to provide fake ones. A valid COA should state the qualifications and complete contact information of the issuer. Before you trust a COA, ensure it contains full and correct details on who issued it, and then make sure they’re a legitimate and reputable authority. If investing in a less expensive purchase that is not offered with a COA, the buyer should still request a written representation from the seller about the authenticity and origin of the item. It is also essential to establish and get a written statement about the item’s physical condition before you purchase it.
• Take extra care at charity auctions: Some scammers target charities by providing “donations” of fake memorabilia. When considering a bid for an item at a charity auction, be vigilant and watch out for suspicious price valuations and shady authentications. When in doubt about an item, consider donating to the charity rather than an auction purchase.
• Seek a money-back guarantee: If possible, work with a dealer who can guarantee a full refund of your purchase if you ever discover it’s a fraud. Check all terms and conditions of the sale, especially limitations, before buying the item.

Helpful Links:

• Official FIFA Website: https://www.fifa.com
• Official Stanley Cup Merchandise: https://shop.nhl.com/