Cuomo Warns of Possible Ticket Scams When Pope Visits in September

Consumers are urged not to respond to any solicitation about purchasing tickets for the papal visit.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo Monday warned people to beware of scams involving tickets to events with Pope Francis when he visits New York City in September.

Gregorio Borgia/AP Fans of Pope Francis can only get tickets through New York parishes and dioceses – and can’t buy authentic ones.

The Archdiocese of New York said tickets won’t be sold for the scheduled events and will only be made available through Catholic parishes.

Cuomo says anyone claiming otherwise is a scam artist.

Cuomo says ticket scams like this aren’t rare and many will do just about anything to capitalize off large events.

Pope Francis will visit New York City on September 24 and 25.

Joe Zwilling, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York, said that he doesn’t expect fraudulant tickets to be a big problem this year and that they weren’t a problem during past papal visits in 1995 and 2008. “Making certain that you receive valid ensure that this event remains joyous and festive for all“. The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is advising the public to follow these tips to avoid becoming a victim: -Check the validity of the Source: Always investigate the ticket source.

New Yorkers, according the governor’s office, should be aware that ticketing scams can include the selling of used tickets, reselling of lost or stolen tickets, online auction fraud, counterfeiting, tickets for non-existent events and fake web sites.