By: Russ Spencer

As excitement reaches a fever pitch across New York State with the New York Knicks returning to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a high-priority consumer alert urging fans to be vigilant when purchasing tickets to the upcoming games at Madison Square Garden. The warning, released just days ahead of Game One on Wednesday, highlights a surge in fraudulent ticket activity spurred by massive demand and opportunistic scammers preying on eager fans.

With scalpers and online con artists flooding secondary marketplaces, Governor Hochul is urging consumers to follow safety protocols developed by the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection, which outlines specific steps to avoid scams and protect both your wallet and your NBA game-day dreams.

“As the Knicks continue their incredible run, I understand the excitement and pride fans across New York are feeling — it’s electric,” said Governor Hochul. “But I want to remind everyone: don’t let that excitement make you a target. Be cautious when buying tickets and only use trusted sources. Scammers are out there, and we won’t let them take advantage of our fans.”

The Knicks’ unexpected but thrilling advancement to the Eastern Conference Finals has reignited the energy and optimism of their fanbase. But with that joy comes vulnerability — particularly in a digital marketplace where fake tickets can look authentic and thousands of dollars can be lost in seconds.

Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley reinforced the message, calling on all New Yorkers to protect themselves.

“With the Knicks heading to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, excitement for fans is through the roof, but so is the risk of scams,” Mosley said. “Follow our Division of Consumer Protection’s guidance to make sure you don’t get benched by a scammer.”

State Senator Rachel May, Chair of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee, emphasized the stakes: “This is an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of the excitement surrounding the team. Please pay close attention to the tickets you purchase because you don’t want to ruin your experience at the next big game with a fraudulent ticket.”

The Division of Consumer Protection has issued a comprehensive list of best practices to help New Yorkers make informed, secure decisions when purchasing tickets — particularly during high-demand playoff seasons. Below are their key recommendations:

 Purchase Directly from the Venue

Buy from Madison Square Garden’s official website or their certified partners. These platforms may also host verified resellers for fans who need last-minute tickets.

 Avoid Risky Online Marketplaces

While websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or even third-party apps may offer tempting deals, beware of impersonators and scam profiles selling fake tickets that cannot be traced.

 Watch for Payment Redirection Scams

Fraudsters often trick consumers into using unofficial payment methods or third-party platforms that redirect you to unsafe or counterfeit sites. A legitimate transaction should be seamless and fully embedded on a secure, branded site.

 Verify the Seller

Before buying from a resale vendor, research their reputation, check for a physical business address, and verify the event details. Utilize tools like VerifiedTicketSource.com to confirm whether the seller is a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers, which requires its members to guarantee authenticity.

 Be Suspicious of Deals That Are Too Good to Be True

Scammers often lure fans with deeply discounted prices, then pressure them to act quickly. If the price feels suspiciously low, proceed with extreme caution — it may be a bait-and-switch scheme.

 Use Credit Cards for Protection

Credit cards typically offer the most robust fraud protection if you need to dispute a charge. Avoid using payment apps, prepaid gift cards, or cash, as these methods are difficult to trace and offer no recourse.

 Secure Your Digital Tickets

Most venues now utilize digital-only ticketing systems. Use strong, unique passwords on your mobile ticket apps to prevent hackers from accessing and stealing your tickets.

 Streaming Instead? Know Your Rights

If you plan to stream the game, beware of “free trial” traps. By New York State law, businesses offering auto-renewing subscriptions must clearly disclose all terms and cancellation procedures. Make sure you set a reminder to cancel before being charged if you only plan to use the trial period.

State Support Is Available

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection stands ready to assist any consumer who suspects they’ve been scammed. The Division offers voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses when a complaint cannot be resolved independently. For immediate help or to file a complaint, New Yorkers can call the Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding state holidays), or visit www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.

You can also follow the Department of State on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to receive weekly consumer tips on how to avoid scams, manage subscriptions, protect your identity, and make safer digital purchases.

As the Knicks chase their first NBA championship in a generation, fans should remain alert and proactive. Governor Hochul’s consumer warning isn’t just timely — it’s a reminder that scammers never take a time-out. Whether you’re buying tickets, jerseys, or planning to watch from home, stay informed, stay protected, and don’t let fraudsters steal your moment.

Let’s go Knicks — and let’s keep scammers off the court.