Minnesota State Fair Warns Residents Of Fake Ticket Scams

If you think about it, this isn't too surprising: people are buying and selling fake tickets to the Minnesota State Fair.

We all know the big event is back this year after being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. It was the first time in decades that the big event had been cancelled. Even up until a short time before the fair this year, officials were figuring out if the fair would happen and how.

A few weeks prior to the Minnesota State Fair, they revealed their COVID-19 policies for the event. Fair officials stated there would not be an attendance cap but encouraged everyone to come on weekdays when it would be less crowded.

Fair officials also encouraged everyone to social distance, consider wearing a mask and consider getting vaccinated. However, they didn't put requirements in place because they said things like a mask mandate would be hard to put into place at such a big and busy event.

Get our free mobile app

Now, with the fair in full swing, officials are warning residents about fake tickets. We should have known that scammers would find a way to cash in on the fair now that it is back again in 2021.

The Minnesota State Fair shared a warning on their Facebook page Thursday (September 2nd). Their message stated that everyone buying tickets to the fair online should use caution and be aware of scam websites and phony ticket sellers.

Those attending the Minnesota State Fair should only purchase tickets from the following two places, officials say:

• At the Minnesota State Fair in person at one of the ticket booths at the front entrance gates
• Directly from the Minnesota State Fair's website, which uses Etix ticket system

The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota caught wind of the scam and weighed in on Facebook, offering a few tips to help future fair goers protect themselves against a scam like this.

The BBB of Minnesota says consumers should only purchase tickets from a verified website or in person and should use extra caution when trying to purchase tickets from a third party. If it seems too good to be true, like a cheaper general admission ticket, it probably is.

The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota also says to use payment methods that come with protection, like a credit card. That way you have a better chance of getting your money back should something go wrong.

While it is a bummer this is happening during the fair's first year back after being cancelled, there is still much to enjoy while at the event this year. There are many vendors and exhibits to enjoy and of course, nearly thirty new food and drink options. Yum!