Counterfeit Super Bowl Tickets Costly, Heartbreaking

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SAN FRANCISCO (CBS4)- Some Super Bowl ticket holders will spend thousands of dollars and not be allowed past the gate because the tickets they purchased are counterfeit.

"Every year we see fans who arrive at the stadium on game day only to be turned away at the gate having bought counterfeit tickets," said a spokeswoman with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

In order to get into the game, fans must have a printed, paper ticket. The NFL has made sure that each ticket is unique with holograms and special printing.

(credit: CBS)

"We're looking at all kinds of things to make sure that your ticket is secure and safe," said Stub Hub San Francisco Allison Salcedo. "We go through great lengths to verify the tickets. We have a robust trust and safety team. They're ex-FBI professionals."

This year's tickets have holograms on both sides and thermocromatic ink that disappears when it's heated.

"On Super Bowl Sunday people will be picking up their tickets from Stub Hub. We have a big tailgate and ticket pick up across from the stadium," said Salcedo.

Stub Hub said tickets are selling at an all time high but the demand has decreased over the past few days.

"Wait until the last possible minute if you're looking to buy for the best value. What we typically see in the sales cycle is ticket prices drop when you get closer and closer to the game," said Salcedo.