With Indiana’s annual racing staple fast approaching, officials are waving the warning flag for Hoosiers to be alert for counterfeiters.

“As Indiana prepares for thousands of race fans, I encourage Hoosiers to exercise caution before purchasing their tickets, paying for parking, or making any online reservations,” Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said. “If you believe you’ve been scammed, please contact my office to file a complaint.”

Rokita isn’t the only one warning Hoosiers about these counterfeit items. Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President, told WTHR, the raceway is seeing increasing activity by counterfeiters.

“In the last week, we’ve started getting customers literally bringing in photocopied parking passes that they’re buying for three and four times face value on ticket platforms,” Boles said.

Rokita offered tips to avoid these situations during the race.

• Buy any items directly from IMS

• Rokita also said that attendees should also know the refund policy and should only buy tickets from a place that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction.

• Finally Rokita said race fans should call ahead, when staying somewhere, and to look at reviews. He also said to look at things like prices or website addresses, and always get an email confirmation for reservations and tickets.

Even with the consternation surrounding the ticket situation, Hoosiers can look forward to some events that “fuel May.”  The Breakfast at the Brickyard was held May 20 where the 500 Festival Queen was crowned.

Then May 26, there will be a American Legion Memorial Service to “remember the sacrifices made by the brave servicemen and women who perished while serving in the armed forces.”

Service for the event will begin at 3:30 p.m and will include the posting of colors by the Military Department of Indiana’s Joint Service Color Guard. There will also be performances by the Capital City Chorus and the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division Band.

There will be a wreath-laying ceremony, dedicated to the memory of fallen Hoosiers who gave their lives over the past year to defend the nation. The names of those fallen Indiana service members will be read aloud and the bell of the USS Indianapolis CA-35 will toll in their honor.

Following this, on May 27 the 500 Festival Parade will be held in downtown Indianapolis.

Attendees of the parade will get to see large floats, giant helium balloons, and all the drivers competing in the race. The parade starts at 12 p.m. with festivities beginning fifteen minutes beforehand.

Then, finally on May 28 race fans can finally enjoy the “107th running of the Indianapolis 500