As a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, getting tickets to see your favorite team play at Heinz Field is always exciting. Many fans get Steelers tickets through email offers from the team, ticket resellers, or other sources. Email can provide an easy and convenient way to purchase tickets, especially if you are on the Steelers ticket waitlist. However, you need to be aware of scams and fraudulent emails selling fake or non-existent tickets. With some tips on spotting legitimate emails and avoiding scams, you can securely get Steelers tickets through email.
How Do I Get on the Steelers Season Ticket Waitlist?
To have the best chance at getting Steelers tickets directly from the team, you’ll want to join their season ticket waitlist. Here’s how to sign up:
- Go to the Steelers Account Manager page and click “Make Deposit.” You’ll need to put down a refundable $100 deposit per seat.
- Select the seats you’re interested in purchasing – there may be a waitlist for certain areas like lower bowl sidelines.
- Provide your contact information so the Steelers can reach you when seats become available.
- Once you receive season ticket purchase options, you’ll get emails with instructions on completing your order.
The waitlist timing varies, but expect at least a few years wait depending on seat location. Getting on the list early is key!
What Email Offers Should I Look Out For?
Once you’re on the waitlist, keep an eye out for a few types of Steelers ticket emails:
- Individual Game Presales – Season ticket holders get first access to single game tickets before the general public.
- Last Minute Ticket Releases – The Steelers may release extra tickets close to game day.
- Season Ticket Purchase Offer – When you reach the top of the waitlist, you’ll receive an email to complete your season ticket purchase.
These emails come directly from the Steelers Ticket Office, so you know they are legitimate.
How Do Resellers Get Tickets to Email Out?
In addition to emails from the Steelers, you may receive ticket offers from large licensed NFL ticket resellers like StubHub, VividSeats, and Ticketmaster. These companies have a few ways of getting tickets:
- Season ticket holders list extra tickets they won’t use.
- Brokers and speculators purchase tickets hoping to profit on demand.
- Partner agreements with teams, venues, and events.
Reputable resellers have deals in place to sell authentic tickets. But beware of less ethical resellers or individuals selling fake tickets.
Spotting Fake Steelers Ticket Email Scams
To make sure you don’t get scammed on fake Steelers tickets, watch out for a few red flags:
Too Good to Be True Prices
If ticket prices are significantly below face value or average resale prices, it’s likely a scam. Steelers tickets rarely go for cheap!
Requests Payment by Wire Transfer
Reputable ticket sellers will use secure payment processors like credit cards. Wire transfers are irreversible and untraceable.
Seller Has Bad Reviews or No Online Presence
Check independent review sites for feedback. And do a quick search on the seller’s website and social media. Scam websites often look unprofessional.
Email Contains Spelling/Grammar Errors
Sloppy emails with multiple errors are a red flag. Legitimate businesses will proofread their ticket offers.
Seller Requires Personal Information Upfront
Scammers may try to get private details to steal your identity. Only provide necessary info at checkout on secure, encrypted sites.
Email Looks Suspicious
Things like odd sender name/address, low-quality images, and threatening language are telltale signs of a scam.
Safely Purchasing Steelers Tickets by Email
Follow these tips when buying Steelers tickets by email to avoid scams:
Stick to Official Team Emails
For season ticket ordering and presales, only purchase through official @steelers.nfl.com emails. Check the sender address closely.
Vet the Seller Thoroughly
Research the seller online for reviews, complaints, and evidence they are a real business. Only buy from established, trusted sellers.
Read Listing Details Carefully
Understand exactly what tickets you are purchasing. Double check the date, seat location, ticket conditions, and delivery method.
Use Secure Payment Methods
Pay only through safe payment processors like PayPal Goods and Services, Stripe, credit card, etc. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, Cash App, Zelle, etc.
Download E-Tickets Promptly
For electronic tickets, download to your phone immediately after purchase. Screenshot the barcode and receipt in case of issues.
Register Ticketholder Info ASAP
As soon as you receive the tickets, enter your name as the ticketholder on the seller’s site or Steelers Account Manager.
Get Hard Stock Tickets Early
For hard stock tickets shipped to you, ensure enough time for delivery before game day. Track the package and verify authenticity.
Use Purchase Protection
Where available, enable purchase protection and enhanced ticket guarantees in case you receive fraudulent or fake tickets.
Ask about Ticket Integrity Policy
Inquire about the seller’s ticket integrity guarantee. Responsible sellers will reimburse and replace any unusable tickets.
Is it Safe to Buy Steelers Tickets on Craigslist or Facebook?
Buying tickets through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or unofficial channels comes with substantial risk. These platforms offer little fraud protection or recourse if you get ripped off. Fake ticket scams run rampant. It’s much safer to purchase tickets through NFL Ticket ExchangeTM, a reputable online reseller, the Steelers directly, or at the Heinz Field box office. The few extra dollars spent are worth it for the peace of mind.
Beware of Steelers Ticket Scams on Social Media
In recent years, fake Steelers ticket scams on social media have skyrocketed. Scammers create convincing Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter profiles pretending to sell tickets. They post photos of realistic looking PDF tickets and even print fake hard stock tickets. But after payment is sent, you’ll never receive your tickets. Other warning signs of social media scams include:
- Recently created account with few posts/followers
- Vague profile with no verifiable personal details
- Profile uses stolen photos from other accounts
- Selling ridiculously below market price tickets
- Uses stock Steelers graphics/images on posts
- Pushy about using PayPal Friends & Family or another unsafe payment method
A good rule of thumb is to avoid purchasing Steelers or any tickets on social media altogether. These platforms provide essentially zero buyer protection. Only use reputable ticketing marketplaces suggested above.
Example Steelers Ticket Scam Facebook Post:
Notice the scam signs:
– Brand new account
– Odd name with no profile photo
– Selling tickets way below typical price
– Using stock Steelers graphics
What to Do if You Get Scammed on Fake Steelers Tickets
Getting scammed on Steelers tickets can be devastating. But here are some steps you can take to get help and recoup losses:
Report the Seller
Notify the platform where you purchased the fraudulent tickets immediately. Provide screenshots and details to try and get the scammer’s account banned.
Dispute the Charges
If you paid by credit card, dispute the charges as fraudulent. For PayPal or bank payments, start a claims process.
Contact Local Authorities
File a police report on the scam with your local law enforcement or the Pennsylvania Attorney General. This creates an official record.
Spread Awareness
Post on social media and community forums warning others about the scam. Try to prevent the scammer from victimizing someone else.
Consult with an Attorney
A lawyer can help send formal demands for payment, assist with recovering lost money, or determine if any legal action can be taken.
Learn from the Experience
Make notes on red flags you overlooked or steps you should take next time. Be even more vigilant about scams going forward. Don’t let it discourage you from finding legit Steelers tickets.
Conclusion
Getting excited Steelers tickets from email and online sources is completely achievable. Just remember to use extreme caution, follow security best practices, and only purchase from reputable sellers. Safeguard your personal info closely. If a deal seems questionable, walk away. Report any scams if you encounter them. Stay vigilant and you can confidently get great seats to see the black and gold live at Heinz Field!