I had surgery on my foot last week and got to spend the weekend with my leg propped up on the couch.  Fortunately, my husband had a busy weekend planned so I actually got to handle the remote control.  And still, I landed on football.  What a come back those Chargers made.  My Cornhuskers didn't do so well.

There are so many great sporting events luring fans and their money in the fall season, I just want to remind you to be on the cautious lookout if you are planning to go through a third-party source to get your tickets.  This is the time of year we hear from people who get duped trying to purchase event tickets from online brokers or auction websites.  Often, phony tickets are displayed right on the website, designed to separate you from your money.  Even more often, con artists demand that you wire the money rather than use your credit card or Paypal, where you have some recourse.

The usual playing rules apply: don't do business with someone you don't know.  Now, of course it's impossible to get to know these people personally, but you'd be surprised how much you can "get to know" them by doing a little research.  Who else has done business with them?  Were they happy with their transaction?  Are they affiliated with an organization that has conducted a third-party review of their business practices?  Don't be afraid to ask these tough questions.  If the other party gets offended in any way, don't just walk away, RUN away!

However, if you do get "stuck," don't blame yourself.  It happens to the best of us.  Please let us know and give the District Attorney's office a call.  Maybe, just maybe we can save the next guy.