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NFL Draft 2025: Expert Insights on avoiding Scams in Green Bay
Green Bay, WI – With the 2025 NFL Draft projected to draw a staggering 250,000 visitors to Green Bay from April 24-26, the potential for scams is a major concern for fans. Cybersecurity expert and fraud prevention specialist Dr. Evelyn Reed offers crucial advice on how to stay safe and avoid becoming a victim.
“The primary concern for draft attendees is undoubtedly lodging scams,” Dr. Reed warns. “With a massive influx of visitors,the demand for accomodation skyrockets,creating an environment ripe for fraudulent listings and deceptive practices.”
Lodging Scams: A Clear and Present Danger
lodging scams are particularly prevalent during large events like the NFL Draft. Scammers exploit the high demand for accommodations by creating fake listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, or by building websites that mimic legitimate booking sites.
Dr. Reed outlines several common tactics:
Fake Listings: Scammers post listings for properties that don’t exist or aren’t available, using stolen photos or generic descriptions to lure victims into sending money for a nonexistent rental.Imagine arriving in Green Bay only to find that the cozy cabin you booked months ago is nothing more than an empty lot.
Imposter Websites: Fraudsters create websites that look like legitimate booking platforms or hotel sites, stealing branding and design to trick users into entering personal and financial details on a fake platform.These sites frequently enough disappear as quickly as they appear, leaving victims with no recourse.
Payment Schemes: Scammers frequently enough demand payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or peer-to-peer payment apps. These methods are difficult to reverse and offer little protection if a scam occurs. “Scammers might ask for payment via gift cards,” Dr. Reed notes, a red flag that should immediately raise suspicion.
Last-Minute Cancellation Scams: Scammers collect deposits and then cancel reservations just before the event, leaving victims stranded and unable to find alternative accommodation. This can be particularly devastating when hotels are fully booked and prices are inflated.
Beyond Lodging: Ticket Scams and the NFL OnePass App
While lodging scams are a primary concern, ticket scams also pose a threat. Although the NFL Draft experience is free, fans must register through the official NFL OnePass app.
“Yes, it is indeed very critically crucial to register on the official NFL OnePass app in advance,” Dr.Reed emphasizes. This ensures that fans are using official channels for registration and information, reducing the risk of falling victim to fraudulent ticket offers.
Verifying Lodging Legitimacy: A checklist for Fans
To avoid lodging scams, Dr. Reed recommends the following:
Book Directly: If possible, book directly through the hotel’s website or a reputable, well-known booking platform. Major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt offer loyalty programs and guarantees that can provide added security. Read Reviews: Thoroughly read reviews for both the property and the host or rental agency. Be wary of listings with few or no reviews, or reviews that seem generic or suspicious. Look for patterns in the reviews, and pay attention to any complaints about cleanliness, accuracy, or interaction.
Secure Payment Methods: Use credit cards for all transactions whenever possible. Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards or other payment methods,such as wire transfers or gift cards.
Verify Information: Cross-reference the listing details with public records if possible. For example, you could confirm the property address and owner information. If something seems off, trust your instincts.
Use Official Channels: Ensure all registrations and ticket purchases are done through the official NFL channels or authorized vendors. Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, time is of the essence.
“First,document everything: Keep records of all communications,payment details,and any other relevant information. then, report the scam immediately,” dr. reed advises.
Report the scam to the following:
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint online at FTC.gov.
your Local Police Department: Report the scam to your local law enforcement agency.
The Website or Platform where You Found the Listing: Notify the website or platform where you found the listing,such as Airbnb or VRBO.
Your Bank or Credit Card Company: If you made a payment, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the fraud and request a chargeback. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP): Contact their Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 or via email at [email protected].
Key Takeaways for a Safe and Memorable Draft Experience
Dr.Reed summarizes the key takeaways for fans attending the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay:
- Be Vigilant: Scammers are active, and the hype around major events like the NFL Draft can make it easier for fraudsters to play on your excitement and anticipation.
- Prioritize Legitimate sources: Book accommodations and purchase tickets through well-known, trusted platforms.
- Trust Your Instincts: If an offer seems too good to be true, or something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to seek a second opinion or move on.
- Protect Your Information: Never share personal or financial information with unverified sources.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it immediately.
“following these steps can considerably reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam and help you enjoy a safe and memorable experience at the 2025 NFL Draft,” Dr. Reed concludes.
By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect themselves, fans can ensure that their trip to Green Bay for the 2025 NFL Draft is a positive and memorable experience.
NFL Draft 2025: Can You Spot the Scammer? expert Unmasks Common Rip-Offs and Reveals How to Secure Your Green Bay trip
World-Today-News.com: Dr. Reed, with the 2025 NFL Draft bringing an estimated quarter of a million visitors to Green Bay, the potential for scams is a major concern. Can you start by giving us an idea of the scale of potential threats fans face?
Dr.evelyn Reed: The sheer scale of the event amplifies the opportunities for fraudsters. Think of it: a city of Green Bay’s size suddenly absorbs a crowd larger than some professional sports stadiums. That creates a feeding frenzy for scammers targeting accommodations, tickets, anything associated with the draft. They’re excellent at exploiting the surge in demand. They quickly create fake listings or websites, manipulate the urgency of the situation, and use sophisticated means to steal your money and data. It’s not just about lodging of course, but scammers may take advantage of any and every aspect for the entire event.
World-Today-News.com: Lodging scams seem to be the most immediate concern.How do these scams typically work,and what are the most common warning signs?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Lodging scams are truly the low-hanging fruit for these criminals. They capitalize on the desperation of fans seeking a place to stay.
The first scam involved fake listings. Scammers create ads for properties that don’t exist or aren’t available. They may pull images from online listings to create a false impression. The second one has to do with imposter websites which often look like legitimate booking websites, but are designed to steal personal or financial data. They often get these very authentic-looking sites that are easily searchable. Third, they may exploit payment schemes These frequently involve wire transfers or gift cards because those payment methods are generally irreversible. And they often employ last-minute cancellation scams. After securing a deposit, they cancel reservations just before the event.
Always beware of these, as one of those is a telltale sign that you’re dealing with a scam.
World-Today-News.com: Beyond lodging, what other types of scams should fans be aware of? What are some of the red flags?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: While lodging is top of mind, be vigilant about ticketing scams. Scammers love moments of big events. Yes, the NFL Draft event itself is free, but remember people need to register for the NFL OnePass app, and this offers a target for fraudsters. Always verify the source.
Other red flags include:
Unsolicited offers: Be wary of anyone contacting you out of the blue.
Pressure tactics: If you feel pressured to make a decision quickly, step back. Legitimate vendors will give buyers time.
Unrealistic pricing: If the price seems unbelievably low, it likely is.
Lack of contact information: If you can’t easily contact the seller, that’s a problem.
World-Today-News.com: What steps can fans take to verify the legitimacy of lodging and avoid becoming a victim?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Booking directly is always your safest option. Use the hotel’s website or a well-known booking platform to look for Green Bay accommodations. Do your research. Read reviews. Check that the property’s address is accurate. Use a credit card, and verify the listing information, too. Don’t trust a listing just because it’s on a popular platform.
World-Today-News.com: The NFL OnePass app is crucial for the draft experience. How can fans use it safely to avoid scams?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: The NFL onepass app is your freind. But use it wisely.Make sure you are downloading it from the official sources. Don’t trust links that might come unsolicited.Register well in advance to ensure you have access to news, offers and any changes. The NFL will communicate directly through the app—this helps you avoid any potential phishing tactics.
World-Today-News.com: What should you do immediately if you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Every minute counts. Document everything. Save all communications, payment details.Report the scam immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your local police, the booking platform, and your bank. If you used gift cards or any form of payment that can’t be reversed, you’re less likely to recover funds.This is why acting fast is critical.
World-Today-News.com: To summarize, what are your key takeaways for fans attending the 2025 NFL draft to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Here’s a quick checklist to help ensure you have a memorable and scam-free experience at the 2025 NFL Draft:
Be Proactive: Don’t wait until the last minute.
Trust Legitimate Sources: Stick with well-known and trusted platforms.
Trust Your Instincts: If anything feels “off,” seek a second opinion.
Protect Your Info: Never share personal details with unverified sources.
* Report Suspicious Activity Immediately: Time is of the essence.
World-Today-News.com: Incredible advice. Thank you, Dr. Reed!
Dr. Evelyn Reed: My pleasure!
