An opportunistic thief took advantage of the NCAA tournaments and sold counterfeit basketball tickets, Philadelphia Police said, and now investigators are searching for him to make sure nobody else gets tricked.
Police on Monday said the victim, a 48-year-old woman, told them she met the man at 18th and Market streets about 3:45 p.m. Thursday, March 24 after she responded to a Craigslist ad selling NCAA tickets for $150 apiece.
The man, who identified himself to the victim as "Sebastian Murphy," sold the woman two tickets at that price. She then attempted to redeem the tickets at the game and learned they were counterfeit, police said. Police did not specify which game the fake tickets were for.
Police described the man as being in his mid- to late-20s, of average height and with a thin build. At the time of the fraudulent ticket sale, he wore a white shirt, dark pants, white sneakers and a black and red baseball cap.
Police released surveillance video showing the suspect and are asking the public's help to identify him -- and warning them against any future scams.
Tipsters can contact police at 215-686-8477 or text a tip to 773847. Anyone with information on the man or who suspects they were victimized should call Central Detective Division at 215-686-3093/3094.
