A Somerville firefighter charged with running a World Cup ticket scam has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Robert Whelan, 50, of Somerville, reportedly bilked more than $14,000 from at least 30 people who thought they had a rare chance -- to attend a World Cup soccer game in Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.

Not only didn't they get tickets, they didn't get their money back either which led police to charge Whelan with document forgery and larceny, WBZ reported.

After pleading not guilty at a hearing on Monday, he was released after posting $250 bail.

Whelan allegedly told the soccer fans "he had access to the World Cup tickets because I hit the lottery as a Patriots' season ticket holder," according to court documents.

Victims received emails they received from him had the Patriots' logo and a link to Ticketmaster. Real documents would have contained a FIFA symbol and information taking them to a World Cup portal, police determined.

The Patriots also confirmed he was not a season ticket holder.

His attorney told the judge that Whalen was a scam victim as well and blamed the ticket broker.

📌 Somerville, Ma, Firefighter Charged In World Cup Ticket Scam Sonipat (India)
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