Police are cautioning college football fans to be especially wary of tickets offered for sale by other than authorized outlets after a recent flurry of counterfeit ticket activity in Texas.

Almost 500 people reportedly were scammed by people selling apparently bona fide tickets to the recent Texas Tech vs. Texas game, according to a press release from the Norman Police Department.

The tickets only proved to be counterfeit when scanners at the admission gate failed to recognize them as valid passes. The fake tickets reportedly were distinguishable from real tickets only when compared side by side, which revealed slightly blurred lines and faded looking coloration on the fakes.

Those purchasing fake tickets in Texas reported paying anywhere from $250 to $350 per ticket.

Authorities recommend buying tickets only from established commercial outlets, or from resellers with whom the buyer is familiar.