Warning about scalpers selling papal tickets

PHILADELPHIA -- Tickets that were made available this week for the events during Pope Francis' were gone almost instantly.

Now some people are trying to capitalize on these hot items for a big return.

A quick search on Craigslist revealed post after post of people selling tickets to papal events, including his speech at Independence Hall, the Festival of Families, and the papal Mass on the Ben Franklin Parkway.

These tickets were made by the World Meeting of Families for free.

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams says it is illegal for individuals to scalp tickets.

He says only licensed ticketing agencies protect buyers.

"Go to a credible website if they want to purchase tickets, not just by going to Craigslist and hoping that not only do they not get assaulted when they go to that home but that the tickets are valid," Williams said.

The Archdiocese issued a statement on the matter. It reads in part:

"Papal tickets are never intended to be sold. When we became aware, we reported the matter to local law enforcement. We also reached out to eBay and Craigslist asking that any sales be halted.

We are delighted to see that eBay has halted sale of these tickets. Scalping of tickets for Papal events is shameful and reprehensible."