A Winnipeg Jets fan says he was sold tickets, which later turned out to be stolen. Now, he's tapping into the online community to try and track down the suspect accused of selling him the tickets.
The man, who didn't want to be identified, said he wants justice after buying multiple sets of Jets tickets.
The cost was more than $1,000.
He gave one set of tickets to a client.
"(A) customer of mine went to use them at the gate and was told, ‘I'm sorry but the tickets have been reported stolen and cancelled and they're not valid and you're not getting into the game,'" said the man.
Police said they're hearing more stories regarding stolen tickets being taken and sold online.
To prevent that, owners are encouraged to keep a close eye on their tickets.
"We would encourage anyone, especially season ticket holders who do have a number of games within their possession…to secure those appropriately," said Const. Natalie Aitken from Winnipeg police.
After going to police and reporting the incident, the man who spoke to CTV News also created a website, where he shared his story and is hoping more victims come forward.
He also posted video recordings of the ticket transaction he made with the seller pulling up to their meeting in a car with no licence plates.
The Winnipeg Jets launched their own service for fans looking to get rid of tickets, the Seat Exchange, and the organization encourages fans to look there to get tickets.
The fan who spoke with CTV News said he's rarely seen tickets on Seat Exchange through the Jets.
Despite losing more than $1,000 buying tickets that turned out to be stolen, he said he'll look once more on buy-and-sell sites such as Kijiji and eBay.
Police said it's tough to track down suspects who steal tickets to sell them through the web because of the anonymity that can often come alongside online transactions.
People are advised to go through an accredited source when buying items as costly as Jets tickets.
- with a report from CTV's Megan Batchelor
