With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away, demand is surging for game tickets, related events, and hotel rooms—but scammers are ramping up their efforts as well.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges consumers to take precautions to avoid falling victim to fraud. One of the most important steps is doing your research: understand typical prices and stick to well-known, reputable websites. Be cautious of steep discounts or offers that seem too good to be true.

“Always research the seller or broker,” said Steve McFarland of BBB Silicon Valley. He warned against clicking links from Craigslist or social media platforms like Facebook, noting those are common sources of scams. Instead, consumers should verify sellers by checking bbb.org.

Experts also advise watching for warning signs. Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cash cards are major red flags.

“If someone asks for payment that way, walk away,” McFarland said.

Using a credit card adds an extra layer of protection. Shoppers should also carefully check website URLs for spelling errors and confirm that payment pages are secure by looking for “https,” with the “s” indicating security. Scammers are increasingly using advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to make fake sites and messages appear legitimate.

Hotel reservations are another frequent target during Super Bowl week. Alma Galvan of the BBB said scammers often create fake hotel websites or issue bogus confirmation numbers, leaving travelers stranded when they arrive.

To avoid this, consumers should book directly through the hotel and confirm their reservation. The BBB has also flagged scams involving vacation rentals, where renters are told at the last minute that the property is unavailable and are pressured to upgrade to a much more expensive option.

The takeaway from experts is simple: stay alert, verify before you buy, and when in doubt, walk away.