Don’t get faked out: Hochul warns NY Knicks fans about ticket scams
May 21, 2025, 10 a.m.
With Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at MSG, New York officials say scammers are ready to pounce on eager fans.
Die-hard New York Knicks fans are clamoring for tickets to watch their beloved team compete in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
The frenzy has even prompted state officials to warn basketball fans to watch out for scammers. Gov. Kathy Hochul and other New York officials issued the advisory before Wednesday's Game 1.
BING BONG! If you want to buy tickets for the Eastern Conference Finals, watch out for scalpers and scammers.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 20, 2025
Our Division of Consumer Protection has been monitoring complaints filed with the @FTC and @FBI. Learn more on how to stay safe:https://t.co/03JR9FEROF
Floor seats to see the Knicks face off against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden have been listed for tens of thousands of dollars on platforms like Ticketmaster and StubHub, while upper-level seats are still going for several hundred dollars apiece.
With prices surging, some fans are turning to online forums like Reddit for help determining whether cheaper tickets found elsewhere are legitimate.
Hochul urged fans to follow guidance from the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection, especially those willing to dip into their savings to catch a game in person.
“As the Knicks continue their incredible run, I understand the excitement and pride fans across New York are feeling — it's electric,” Hochul said in her statement. “But I want to remind everyone: don't let that excitement make you a target.”
Here’s what the state agency is advising fans:
- Buy from official sellers. Purchase tickets directly from verified vendors. Ticketmaster is the NBA’s official ticket partner, and StubHub is a verified resale site. Avoid peer-to-peer marketplaces or unfamiliar sellers.
- Use payment safeguards. Pay with a credit card whenever possible, which makes it easier to dispute fraudulent charges. Use strong passwords to secure any ticketing accounts to prevent hackers from accessing your tickets.
- Be skeptical of bargains. If seats are listed for thousands of dollars on official sites, and you find a similar ticket elsewhere for a fraction of the price, it’s likely a scam.
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- Related: Knicks fever in NYC
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