ATLANTA - Matthew Neet has been arraigned on federal charges of wire fraud after allegedly scamming real estate investors and college football fans seeking tickets for University of Georgia (“UGA”) games.“Neet allegedly defrauded at least two dozen football fans and investors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As we enter the college football playoff, fans should exercise caution when purchasing tickets for games.
Unfortunately, scammers may seek to exploit the rich history and tradition of college football for quick cash. And, as always, investors should be wary of too-good-to-be-true wealth building opportunities.”“Neet allegedly exploited college football fans and investors for personal gain, and the FBI is committed to holding those who engage in fraud accountable,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “As the popularity of college football continues to grow, we urge fans and investors alike to be vigilant and verify the legitimacy of any offers they receive, particularly when large sums of money are at stake.”According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Matthew Neet allegedly defrauded investors and college football fans by offering fraudulent property investment opportunities when he had no intention of actually investing the funds he received.
He also fraudulently offered to sell tickets for UGA football games when he had no intention of providing tickets. Two dozen individuals paid Neet approximately $943,000 for the investment opportunities or college football tickets. Neet allegedly used the money for his own purposes.Neet waived indictment and agreed to proceed by criminal information on December 19, 2025. According to the information, Neet duped investors by offering purported investments in teak/timberland property in Costa Rica.
He also claimed to have for sale UGA football tickets for games against the Universities of Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi. These claims were allegedly false, and Neet never provided the tickets.Matthew Neet, 43, of Alpharetta, Ga., was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins III.
Members of the public are reminded that the information only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal is prosecuting the case.For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.
The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.