How To Protect Yourself From Potential Scams Related to the 2025 NFL Draft and Other Fraud Crime

Back to Blog
04.09.2025 Written by Fox Communities Credit Union

Events like the NFL Draft are on Scammers' Radar

With just under two weeks of one of the biggest events coming to Wisconsin, the NFL draft is on everyone’s mind. The Draft is expected to bring 250,000 attendees to Wisconsin from all over the Country, maybe even the world. To give some context around that large number, Green Bay’s population is about 105,000 people so, you can imagine the huge influx of people over the span of the three-day event, April 24-26th. Similar to other event-centered circumstances, like COVID, or natural disasters, events like the draft is on scammers’ radar as well and the potential for them to take advantage of the excitement. 

There are three types of scams that consumers may see related to the draft. 

Lodging scams. With the influx of all those people coming to town, they will be looking for a place to stay, and searching on websites like, AirBnB and Vrbo. The scam listings may be real units the scammer doesn’t actually own or entirely made up. If you don’t have someplace to stay yet, here are some tips to follow to avoid lodging scams: (honestly, these tips can be good for vacation goers as well).
  • Quick easy tip, cross reference the unit you’re looking at across multiple platforms, compare photos, price, etc. this can help detect a fraudulent “account” that a scammer pulled from another platform
  • Verify the property address-google map to verify the address is legitimate
  • Reviews are key-even if it’s not a scam, you want to know the place you’re renting has a good reputation
  • Avoid leaving the platform-if the lister asks you to move the communication off the platform, that should be a red flag
  • Avoid non-traditional payment methods-such as cryptocurrency, pre-paid gift cards, wires, cash or your online banking login-red flag
Fake ticket scams. Do your research before purchasing tickets for anything. Firstly, tickets are not required for general admission to the draft “campus” and NFL draft experience-I’m guessing they do this to create excitement trying to draw a large audience. Instead of tickets, they want attendees to register for the event, that serves as a digital ticket and a resource guide for the overall draft event. Scammers like to deceive consumers into thinking they must purchase tickets but, again general admission is free. Lastly, listeners need to be aware of fake websites that are designed to make money by selling low quality, knockoff merchandise or to steal information by convincing consumers to input passwords or credit card numbers.
  • This goes for anytime you’re purchasing something online: Always check website address for errors before you enter personal or payment information. Verify the legitimacy of the website.
Imposter websites. Each of these scams trick you into thinking you’re getting something prompting you to enter your credit card number, only to find out, you paid for something that doesn’t exist or is fake. Additionally, with the influx of people coming to the area, there can be the potential for other types of fraud crime that could occur. The intent to share the topic is not to scare anyone but, bring awareness to our community. When we think about what the fraud criminal’s motivation is and what they want to accomplish, it’s to get in and get out with money. Then, we look at HOW they do it.
We know from previous fraud experience they can do a multitude of things that affect the general population:
  • Install skimming devices on ATM’s or Point of sale devices
  • There could be theft or vehicle break-ins that lead to identity theft of these victims.

Let’s talk about skimming

Skimming is when an illegal device is installed on an ATM, point of sale terminal or fuel pump card reader where it captures consumer’s card and pin information. Then, criminals use this data to create fake credit cards to steal money from the victims. 
  • Be vigilant when visiting ATMs to inspect your surroundings and the ATM. Loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched are all signs of possible tampering.
  • When available, always use tap or chip with your card, this minimizes your risk
  • Cover the pin pad with your hand, when entering your pin number 
  • Always be diligent in watching your financial accounts. If you see something that you don’t recognize or you didn’t do, contact your financial as soon as possible. 

Now let’s talk about theft and vehicle break-ins

Again, with the influx of people coming to town, criminals know people typically have their drivers' license along with checks and/or credit cards so, what a good opportunity for them to take advantage of this situation. 
It’s just being diligent about having the least amount of information with you. 
  • If you don’t need it, leave it at home. 
  • Don’t carry cash with you. 
  • Try not to leave your purse or wallet in the car and if you have to, don’t leave it in plain site, hide it under the seat
  • If you fall victim to theft, of course, make sure to file a police report then, remember to contact your financial to let them know. The criminal might have your personal information and you now fell victim to identity theft. 
Overall, we need to have a heightened sense of awareness of what’s going on around us and be diligent when making payments. 

Stay Safe!