Man Accused of Selling Fake WBC Tickets at loanDepot Park

Authorities say the suspect was engaging in an organized scheme to defraud fans and the Marlins Organization.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:52pm

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A 42-year-old man named Hector Giral Hernandez was arrested and charged with organized scheme to defraud after he was accused of selling fake tickets to Saturday's World Baseball Classic game at loanDepot Park in Miami. Homeland Security Bureau detectives working at the stadium were alerted by the director of security about instances of fraud happening at several entrances, where multiple people were turned away after trying to enter the stadium with wristbands they had purchased from Hernandez.

Why it matters

Ticket fraud is an ongoing issue at major sporting events, costing fans money and creating disruptions at venue entrances. This case highlights the need for increased security measures and public awareness to prevent such scams, which can undermine the fan experience and the reputation of the event organizers.

The details

According to the arrest report, a victim told law enforcement that they had purchased a ticket from Hernandez for the Venezuela vs Japan game, but were denied entry when security guards determined the wristband was fake. Several other people were also turned away at different entrances after purchasing wristbands from Hernandez, who was walking around outside the stadium. When detectives confronted Hernandez, he claimed he was from New York and wanted to watch the game, and that his friend had told him someone was selling tickets for $60-70.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 15, 2026 during the World Baseball Classic tournament.

The players

Hector Giral Hernandez

A 42-year-old man who was arrested and charged with organized scheme to defraud for allegedly selling fake tickets to the World Baseball Classic game at loanDepot Park.

Homeland Security Bureau detectives

Law enforcement officers who were working at the stadium and were alerted by the director of security about instances of fraud happening at several entrances.

Marlins Organization

The organizers of the World Baseball Classic tournament being held at loanDepot Park, who were allegedly defrauded by Hernandez's ticket scam.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage the fan experience and undermine the reputation of major sporting events through ticket fraud.”

— Hector Giral Hernandez (Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office)

What’s next

Hernandez is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, and authorities will continue to investigate the extent of his alleged ticket fraud scheme.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder for sports fans to be vigilant when purchasing tickets, especially from unofficial sources, in order to avoid falling victim to scams that can ruin the event experience and cost them money.