As the New York Knicks return to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, excitement in NYC is reaching fever pitch—and so are playoff ticket prices.
Knicks tickets for Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers are now selling for up to $3,000, even for standing-room-only spots. Unfortunately, this massive demand has opened the door for scammers targeting desperate fans with fake or misleading listings.
Knicks playoff ticket frenzy triggers scam alert
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an urgent warning this week, advising fans to steer clear of unofficial platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace when shopping for playoff tickets.
Her office noted a surge in fraud complaints filed with the FTC and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, many involving counterfeit NBA tickets. The message: only buy Knicks tickets through trusted resellers.
Scammers target emotional buyers during playoff hype
With playoff fever running high, casual fans and long-time loyalists alike are eager to be part of the electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden.
This emotional surge makes fans more susceptible to ticket scams, especially when low prices seem too good to be true. Even nosebleed seats are reaching nearly $1,000, making legitimate discounts all the more tempting—and dangerous.
How to buy Knicks playoff tickets safely
- 🤝 Buy only from official vendors and resellers
- 📲 Avoid deals posted on social media or unverified platforms
- 👀 Look for signs of ticket authenticity, including secure payment options
- 💳 Use credit cards for purchase protection
- ⚠️ Report any suspected scams to the Division of Consumer Protection
While Knicks home games are injecting millions into NYC’s economy, from bars to tattoo parlors, the rush also puts fans at risk. If you’re planning to attend a game, make sure the excitement doesn’t come at the cost of falling victim to fraud.