With Sunday's Lambeau Field home opener against the Detroit Lions, the Packers are reminding fans to be cautious when shopping for and purchasing game tickets from secondary sources.

The team has received several reports of counterfeit tickets circulating online through unauthorized resellers, and at the LSU-Wisconsin game, several fans were unable to enter the stadium, as the tickets they had purchased through free online marketplaces were counterfeit.

Although the Internet makes it easier for counterfeit tickets to be created and sold, it is also easier for ticket buyers to do research and protect themselves from purchasing counterfeit tickets.

Free online marketplaces that ask buyers to arrange to pay for tickets in person are often sources of counterfeit tickets. Fans are advised to only buy tickets from official sources and team partners, such as NFL Ticket Exchange (link available at www.packers.com/tickets). Ticket Exchange is the only resale ticket marketplace authorized by the Packers, with exclusive ability to electronically verify and reissue every Packers ticket sold. This ensures that tickets are authentic and valid for admission.

According to the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection, other ticket sources to consider should be members of the National Association of Ticket Brokers, as these businesses may offer a money-back guarantee if a problem occurs with purchased tickets. Ticket buyers are advised to be aware of whether or not secondary ticketing sources or classified ad sites offer guarantees or have return policies in place.

Fans are encouraged to be diligent and do their research before choosing to buy tickets from unofficial sources, as well as to use a credit card to purchase, so that in the event of a problem, the charges can be disputed. Ticket buyers are also urged to request identification from those selling the tickets, and should keep in mind that if the ticket pricing seems too good to be true, it probably is.