Rugby World Cup: fake final tickets warning

Rugby World Cup 2011 match tickets. Real ones. Beware of fakes to the final, say the police. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Fraudsters could be targeting fans desperate to buy last-minute tickets to the Rugby World Cup final, police have warned.

Superintendent Grant O'Fee said counterfeit tickets may be being sold to unwary rugby fans wanting to see the last cup matches.

He warned against buying cheap tickets from unauthorised street vendors.

"It has been said many times over the past few weeks that such major events as World Cups and Olympic Games unfortunately attract those who are out to make a quick buck out of vulnerable people by selling fake or fraudulently obtained tickets.

"With the Rugby World Cup now in its finals stage this risk has increased."

Ticket fraudsters could be selling fake tickets or tickets that have been lost or stolen, Mr O'Fee said.

He urged potential ticket buyers for the final between the All Blacks and France to be on their guard.

"We want to ensure people are made fully aware of the risks of buying tickets from unauthorised outlets or informal sources, such as street vendors, to avoid the disappointment of being turned away at the gate because their tickets are fake or have been cancelled because they were lost or stolen."

- Herald Online