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Summer is prime time for big concerts and big games. But not reading the fine print on a ticket, or getting caught up in a scam, can leave fans on the outside looking in. Karin Caifa (prono: KAY-fuh) has important tips for ticket buyers, in today's Consumer Watch.

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THE DESPERATION TO SNAG TICKETS FOR A FAVORITE BAND OR A BIG SPORTING EVENT CAN LEAD CONSUMERS TO COMPANIES OR WEBSITES WHERE THEY WOULDN'T OTHERWISE DO BUSINESS OR ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE RULES -- OR RESPOND TO ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS THAT ARE OFTEN "BUYER BEWARE."
THE NATIONAL CONSUMERS LEAGUE URGES TICKET-SHOPPERS TO AVOID GETTING STARRY-EYED OVER WHAT LOOKS LIKE A GREAT DEAL.
-- NOTE THE U-R-L BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE. SCAMMERS CAN SET UP FAKE SITES.
-- BUY TICKETS WITH A CREDIT CARD FOR ADDED FRAUD PROTECTION.
-- BE PREPARED FOR ADDITIONAL FEES LIKE SHIPPING OR CONVENIENCE CHARGES ON TOP OF THE TICKET PRICE.
-- AND READ THE FINE PRINT ON A TICKET. IF ITS A WILL CALL OR PAPERLESS TICKET, TICKETHOLDERS MAY BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT THE PURCHASING CREDIT CARD AND PHOTO I-D FOR ADMISSION AND CAN BE NON-TRANSFERABLE.
THAT'S ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IF THE TICKETS ARE A GIFT OR PURCHASED ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE ELSE.
ALSO KNOW THE VENDOR'S GUARANTEE POLICY. THE ESTABLISHED ONLINE TICKET EXCHANGES AND RESALE SITES WILL OFTEN REPLACE OR REFUND A TICKET IF A CUSTOMER RECEIVES THE WRONG TICKETS, FAKE TICKETS, OR IF THE EVENT IS CANCELLED.
FOR CONSUMER WATCH, I'M KARIN CAIFA.
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Follow Karin on Twitter: @karincaifaCNN

--KEYWORD TAGS--
consumer, summer, tickets, scams