The Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana is warning consumers who are interested in buying tickets to the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

While a record-number of people would like to attend, only 250,000 tickets are available to the event. While many websites are claiming to sell tickets, the BBB is warning against purchasing such tickets.

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is responsible for dividing up the tickets to Congressional representatives. After that, it’s up to the representatives to hand out the free tickets to constituents the day before the inauguration.

While tickets haven’t even been distributed to the members of Congress, online scalpers are already trying to sell tickets. Some online brokers are selling VIP tickets for upwards of $20,000 each. The online brokers won’t know for sure if they have tickets to sell until the day before the election, which means purchasing the tickets is highly risky.

The BBB recommends the following steps to help reduce the chances of being ripped off:

• When buying from a ticket reselling company online, buyers should always look for the BBBOnLine seal. The BBBOnLine logo is a sign that the company has a good reputation for satisfying customers and secure website for processing payments.
  
• Paying with a credit card or through PayPal will provide protection and the opportunity for potential reimbursement if the company is fraudulent. Consumers should never pay with a cashier’s check or wire money to a seller, as they will have no way to get their money back if the tickets do not arrive.
  
• Consumers who have been ripped off buying tickets online can file a complaint with Better Business Bureau online. They can also file complaints with their state Attorney General’s office.

  Because of the overwhelming requests for tickets, some members of Congress are planning to distribute tickets via a lottery system. You can contact your local member of Congress or U.S. Senator to request tickets or enter a lottery.

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