Fans visiting any of the College Football Playoff related venues should practice a “buyer beware” approach to spending their money. As with many major entertainment events, there is a possibility of individuals selling counterfeit merchandise, as well as invalid tickets. To avoid becoming the target of a ticket scam or buying counterfeit merchandise, people are strongly encouraged to use authorized, reputable vendors to purchase merchandise and tickets.

In an effort to combat these illegal operations, the North Texas law enforcement partner’s will be enforcing counterfeit trademarking violations for the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is also participating with the enforcement effort with additional assistance from the Collegiate Licensing Company and representatives of the involved universities.

These enforcement efforts will not be highly visible. Vendors selling counterfeit merchandise will not know if the person to whom they are selling is an officer or a member of the enforcement effort. People choosing to sell counterfeit merchandise and invalid tickets in North Texas do so at their own risk and face potential criminal prosecution.

 Buyer Beware Tips:

Merchandise

• Officially licensed merchandise should display a hologram with “Officially Licensed Collegiate Product” or “Extra Yard for Teachers,” which is the College Football Playoff education foundation.
• All logos and trademarks are displayed in a tasteful manner; and the manufacturer name should be somewhere on the product, either on the hangtag, a neck label or screen-printed directly on the garment.

Tickets

• Fans are encouraged to buy tickets from reputable, authorized vendors to avoid losing money and a chance to attend the game.
• Do not provide credit card information to anyone without knowing that they are reputable business.
• When meeting to pick up tickets, choose a well-lit, public area.
•  Ticket scalping is illegal in Arlington and Dallas. It is a violation to re-sell tickets at any price on the street.

The following was prepared by the North Texas Law Enforcement Joint Information Center.