Penn State Police Warned of Ticket Scams
University officials alerted fans to rising online ticket fraud targeting Beaver Stadium game attendees.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Penn State University police have issued an urgent warning to fans regarding a surge in online ticket scams. Fraudsters are using social media to solicit payments for nonexistent tickets to games at Beaver Stadium.
Why it matters
The rise in digital ticket fraud exploits the high demand for university sporting events, leaving fans without entry and significant financial losses. Police aim to prevent further victimization by alerting the public to these predatory online tactics.
University police have officially confirmed the rise in reports of fraudulent online ticket sales. The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to identify the accounts used to solicit funds through Venmo and Zelle.
The players
Penn State University Police
The law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining safety and investigating criminal activity on the Penn State University campus.
The details
Scammers are utilizing social media platforms to post misleading photos of tickets to deceive unsuspecting buyers. After requesting payment via Venmo or Zelle, the perpetrators delete their accounts and fail to provide the promised tickets.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Police issued a formal warning regarding the ongoing ticket scam activity.
Legal Context
This wave of ticket fraud reflects a broader, national trend of criminal actors exploiting the instant nature of digital payment platforms like Zelle and Venmo. Such crimes have become a focus for campus and local law enforcement agencies aiming to curb digital financial exploitation.
Fans are advised to avoid purchasing tickets from unverified social media accounts and to prioritize official university ticketing channels. Utilizing secure payment methods that offer purchase protection is recommended to avoid losing funds to anonymous sellers.
The takeaway
Always verify the authenticity of ticket sellers before transferring any funds through mobile payment apps. Relying on verified primary markets remains the most effective defense against losing money to these online scams.
Further reading
Learn more about identifying fraud and staying safe in our Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGAL 8 Lancaster/Harrisburg.
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