HOUSTON – Authorities warned fans Thursday to watch for counterfeit tickets and merchandise for Super Bowl LI.
Houston will host the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons for the NFL championship game at NRG Stadium on Sunday evening.
Both law enforcement and NFL officials held a news conference Thursday aimed at educating patrons about how to identify fake tickets and clothing.
Officials said that during a yearlong operation, they seized more than 260,000 counterfeit items worth an estimated $20 million.
“Criminal elements use major sporting events like the Super Bowl as an opportunity to sell substandard and counterfeit goods to the American public,” said acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Thomas Homan.
VIDEO: Officials discuss fake Super Bowl tickets and merchandise.
Officials said fans who are buying Super Bowl tickets should ensure the tickets contain a raised logo on the front and a multicolored sticker that features Houston's skyline and thermographic ink on the back.
“For consumers, the best defense against counterfeit sellers is a good offense,” said David Hirschmann, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center. “Only purchase known brands from known sellers that bear the official holographic marks of authenticity.”
Anyone who believes they know of fake merchandise and tickets being sold should contact law enforcement officials.
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