Detroit Lions Fans: Beware of Ticket Scams as Playoffs Approach

The Detroit Lions will host their first playoff game at Ford Field this Sunday. Ahead of the exciting weekend of football, officials are issuing warnings for possible ticket scams.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office is encouraging fans to know what precautions to take to avoid scams in online sales. It’s recommended that those looking for tickets for Sunday’s game be familiar with the associated risks with online sales and how to protect themselves. Currently, tickets for Sunday’s game on Ticketmaster range from $449 up to $1,900.

There are several ways to scam ticket-buyers and ticket-sellers out of their money. Two of those ways involve payment or money app scams and fake check scams. Payment app scams involve peer-to-peer (P2P) money apps such as Apple Pay, Cash app, Zelle, Venmo, and others. P2P payment services are apps where both users need active accounts linked to a bank or credit card. Once set up, these apps let users send money instantly to others using phone numbers, email addresses, or usernames, and transactions are typically free.

Be cautious when using pay apps. Watch out for scammers pretending to be your bank, urging you to send money to yourself or the "bank’s address" to reverse a transaction or verify your account. Remember, your bank will never ask you to send money to anyone, even yourself.

Beware of fraudsters posing as fraud departments or merchants, requesting sensitive information like your bank account username, password, credit card details, or Social Security numbers. Refrain from sharing this information, as scammers aim to create a P2P account with your details, steal your identity, and access your accounts.

AG Nessel’s office also warns of fraud schemes, such as phishing emails claiming your account will be suspended. Legitimate payment app vendors won't ask for your password unless you're on the login page.

When selling tickets online, be wary of fake check scams. Scammers may offer more money than needed, ask for a refund, and provide a counterfeit check. Use reputable websites, research vendors, prefer credit card transactions for added protection, and ensure the website is secure. Websites with urls beginning with https:// are more secure than those beginning with http, according to Cloudfare. Also, look for websites with a closed lock icon.

Check out some more tips on how to avoid scams here.

The holiday season is upon us, and in Michigan, it's a time when the entire state transforms into a festive wonderland. Silver bells chime, holiday music fills the air, and the magic of Christmas is everywhere. From downtown Detroit to the serene beauty of Marquette and from the picturesque Traverse City to the corners of southwest Michigan, the state offers a diverse range of holiday attractions for everyone to enjoy.

There's something particularly special about the holiday season in Michigan, and one of the key ingredients in stirring up the Christmas spirit is holiday light displays. Whether it's a pre-Christmas gathering with loved ones or a peaceful holiday stroll under the twinkling lights, Christmas activities foster a sense of warmth and wonder.

In addition to the captivating light displays, Michigan's December weeks offer an excellent opportunity to explore the state's charming towns, each of which goes to great lengths to create a welcoming and festive atmosphere. These towns aim to make visitors feel not just merry but truly uplifted. As you explore these communities, you'll have the chance to create cherished memories and gather stories that will last a lifetime. The welcoming ambiance and festive spirit of these towns provide an opportunity to escape from the routine and immerse yourself in the holiday magic.

Michigan truly comes to life during the holiday season, with its enchanting lights, festive décor, and the general spirit of celebration. Festive events and activities, including tree-lightings, Santa Claus appearances, parades, and craft shows, offer a wealth of options for enjoyment throughout Michigan during the Christmas and holiday season. To help you start your preparations for this joyous time of year, we've compiled a list of places to capture the holiday magic in Metro Detroit.

The Detroit Zoo welcomes back Wild Lights until January 7, featuring an extensive display of millions of lights illuminating your path as you stroll through the zoo. This event also offers a light projection show, Toyland, an enchanted trail, the Wild Lights Lodge, and a wishing tree for visitors to enjoy. For added amusement, carousel rides are available. You can find the Detroit Zoo at 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak.

Downtown Detroit offers a wide range of holiday activities. You can start at Campus Martius, where a beautifully decorated tree is on display, and you can enjoy ice skating on the rink. Next, make your way to Cadillac Square, where you can shop at local businesses and enjoy food and beverages at the Cadillac Lodge. You can also walk along Woodward Ave. to admire the holiday lights. Additionally, Beacon Park has been transformed into Toyland, creating a winter wonderland that lasts until mid-January. Here, you'll find a choo-choo train, a giant teddy bear, nutcrackers, walk-through ornaments, LED light displays, and more.

On December 18th, you can participate in the Menorah in the D celebration, featuring the lighting of the Detroit Menorah, a fire show, hot soup, cider, and other activities.

The Big, Bright Light Show illuminates Downtown Rochester from just before Thanksgiving until the start of the new year. This event blankets the buildings of the downtown area with more than 1.5 million points of light, transforming the city with a mesmerizing array of vibrant colors. Now in its 15th year, this display is not only a fantastic spot for capturing stunning photographs but also for showcasing the beauty of metro Detroit. The Big, Bright Light Show is open to everyone and is free of charge.

North of Detroit in Armada, Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill undergoes a festive transformation during the holiday season. One of its main attractions is a 2,000-square-foot synthetic ice rink that provides a skating experience, no matter the weather. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverages in heated igloos or choose to select their own Christmas tree from the expansive 100-acre farm, which boasts a wide variety of over 10,000 trees to choose from.

In Lake Orion, Canterbury Village undergoes a festive transformation, becoming a winter wonderland adorned with nearly 1 million holiday lights. The historic village offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy more than just the captivating lights. You can also listen to professional carolers, witness live Christmas performances, and experience a choreographed light show for the season. For younger visitors, there's the chance to meet and greet popular characters such as Frosty the Snowman, Buddy the Elf, The Grinch, Olaf, Jack Frost, Anna, and Elsa, and many others. After your visit, head to the C-Pub outdoor patio, where you can choose from a variety of beverages, including beers, hard ciders, wine, cocktails, and more. Canterbury Village is conveniently located at 2359 Joslyn Ct, Orion Twp.

Located in Commerce Township, Glenlore Trails Aurora offers a fun winter experience for all ages. This illuminated forest presents a one-mile outdoor trail adorned with interactive storytelling moments and various forms of entertainment. Within this captivating setting, visitors can find food and beverage vendors and enjoy the wintry forest alongside light displays.