After a decade of growing his fanbase with his Michigan football tailgate group, a man known as “HailGate” has been accused of scams surrounding concerts, merch, autographs, and more. Allegations of misconduct raise questions regarding how a strong community can sway customers.

Customers claim that John Klein failed to deliver tickets, meet-and-greets and merchandise they received payment for. By the end of July, the HailGate Victims Facebook group had over 600 members, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Concert Packages Triggered Customer Complaints

ClickOnDetroit reports that several customers have complained about Morgan Wallen concerts taking place in Michigan Stadium. According to ClickOnDetroit, people claim they’ve paid Klein for Wallen concert tickets, a tailgate wristband and meet-and-greets with Wallen, but have yet to receive said items.

According to MLive, Wallen and tour producer AEG Presents’ lawyer recently sent Klein a cease-and-desist letter over selling allegedly fraudulent meet-and-greet packages.

One customer told Fox 2 Detroit she paid $125 for the meet-and-greet, believing Klein had some sort of connection to the university or people who were involved with the singer.

Michigan season-ticket holder Brett Laskey says he paid Klein $700 for a team-autographed football and helmet. According to MLive, Klein was previously convicted of identity theft and false pretenses. He previously served three years in prison as the result of a 2013 conviction.

Investigations and Consumer Protections

According to ClickOnDetroit’s July reporting, Michigan’s attorney general had received complaints concerning Klein and was reviewing the matter. The Plymouth Township police investigation figures should be verified against the latest reporting before publication. In a response to MLive, Klein said his character and reputation were misrepresented, along with what really happened at some events, and said some customers were offered refunds.

Steve Baker of the Baker Fraud Report told Inc. that the Federal Trade Commission’s mail-order rule requires businesses to comply with applicable shipping and refund requirements for merchandise orders. Kelly Richmond Pope told Inc., “Reputation can create trust, but it should never replace verification.” Do your due diligence before purchasing a ticket package, get agreements in writing and always use a payment method that offers buyer protection.

Written by

Lakshya