MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Professional and college football are in full swing right now, and basketball season will be here before we know it. It’s a time when sports fans are looking to buy merchandise to represent their favorite team or player, but at the same time, crooks are looking to take advantage.

Whether it’s a jersey or a special piece of memorabilia, there are some ways to protect yourself from sports merchandise scams.

Here's how the scam works, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Fans find an item to purchase online. The merchandise is often shown off with good pictures and a cheap price, making everything look believable.

The website charges the customer’s credit card, and things seem fine at first, but then, the sports fan and customer never receive their merchandise.

How

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