Watch out for counterfeit Michigan football tickets

Some counterfeit University of Michigan football tickets are turning up. This phenomenon is not local - it's a national problem. Bogus tickets for all the major college football games are turning up around the venues hosting the “big games.” It's big business for enterprising ticket counterfeiters. Â

These tickets have the look and feel of a real ticket, but they don't have the hologram that is imprinted on genuine tickets. The counterfeit tickets won't scan at the entrances. The counterfeits also will be one small block of tickets reproduced many times.

Police investigating these cases say the tickets are being sold days in advance or at locations far from the Big House. The reason for the distant sales is criminally intelligent. If the fake tickets are sold too close to the gates, the disgruntled customer could relocate the crooked scalper after the victim of this fraud is turned away at the gate.

The mastermind counterfeiters behind this scam are probably also employing stooge scalpers who just want to make fast money. The scalpers themselves may be unwitting accomplices, but it's doubtful. Crooks can usually spot deals that are “too good to be true” better than average citizens who are trying to save money.

All of the next Michigan home games have the potential for these out-of-town counterfeiters. Penn State, Purdue and Ohio State are all possible games these counterfeiters might use to sell their bogus tickets. The most likely target however would be the Ohio State game, which always draws a huge national audience.

Buyers beware of these tickets. Make sure you examine the ticket you are about to buy to make sure the holographic image appears on the ticket. Ticket sellers nearest the stadium will probably be “safest.”

Beware of multiple tickets at a price that is too good to be true -Â they are probably bogus. Do not make ticket transactions from your car. It is illegal, ties up traffic and it is easy to become a victim because you are being rushed.

If you discover you've been a victim, contact police as soon as possible. Do not try to cut your losses by selling the fake tickets to someone else. You could be selling to an undercover officer and face charges of larceny by false pretenses. Â

While enjoying the remaining games: Lock it up, don’t leave it unattended, be aware (of the scam artists selling counterfeit tickets) and watch out for your neighbors.

Rich Kinsey is a retired Ann Arbor police detective sergeant who now blogs on crime and safety for AnnArbor.com.