Woman Reports Scam Involving Thunder's Name

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Someone is using the Oklahoma City Thunder's name and reputation to scam people out of money.

Betty Hampton has suffered through tough times recently, losing her 82-year-old mother to cancer. Hampton said she needed a break from the growing stress in her life, but said she turned down a tempting offer for a free vacation.

"I said, ‘Well honey, I'm not interested in no vacation or traveling at this point,'" Hampton said.

The offer came from a woman who called Hampton, claiming to be a Thunder representative. The unknown caller told Hampton she won a trip to Cancun, Mexico.

Hampton described what the caller said to reel her in.

"The other night after the game, we asked people to put a name of a friend on the ticket and they would have a drawing," Hampton said. "She said, ‘Your name was picked to have a vacation.'"

Hampton had a gut feeling it was a scam and called the real Thunder team who confirmed her suspicions.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Mahoney said the only people they call are season ticket holders, but it's not for free trips.

Hampton said she hopes her story will serve as a warning to others.

"Don't settle for it," Hampton said. "Don't get your hopes up, because it's going to be a flop quicker than anything."

The Thunder said they are very thankful Hampton gave them a heads up on the scam, and gave Hampton several free tickets for an upcoming game as a sign of appreciation.

The Better Business Bureau said consumers should always remember if they stumble across an offer or prize that seems too good to be true, it usually is.