Beware of scammers on your way to the State Fair

Over 4,000 attendees showed up with voided tickets, officials say

More than 4,000 Wisconsin State Fair attendees have been victimized by scammers selling tickets that had already been scanned and used for admission, officials said Sunday.

By the end of Saturday night, more than 3,300 people had bought tickets that were no good from sellers outside the park gates and surrounding neighborhoods.

On Sunday, 962 people were scammed as of 7:10 p.m. and were denied admission.

Its really unfortunate that theyre picking this year because obviously its a time when people need every dollar in their wallet, said Wisconsin State Fair spokeswoman Patrice Harris.

Tickets are voided once theyre scanned, but theres no way to tell from looking at the ticket whether its been used until its scanned again.

Officials suspect scammers are fishing the tickets, including ones fairgoers printed at home from their computers, from garbage cans, bringing them outside the park and offering them at a cheaper rate for people who dont want to wait in line at ticket booths.

I think because the economy is tight, these scammers are seeing the opportunity to make some money by preying on people, Harris said.

Once tickets are scanned, theyre given back to fairgoers. Some collect them as keepsakes, but many throw them away.

Admission to the fair, which runs through Sunday, is $8 for ages 12 and older; $6 for those with disabilities and people 60 and older; $3 for children 7 to 11; and free for children 6 and younger.