TICKET FRAUD
In the UK alone, ticket fraud cost consumers £2.7 million during 2012, much of it arising from the purchase of tickets from dubious websites. Scam ticket websites offer customers the chance to buy tickets to an event that may already be sold out, or one where the tickets are yet to go on official sale.
Victims of the fraud may pay for the tickets but find that they are never delivered, or they may be told that a customer representative will meet them to hand over the tickets at the venue on the day. In other cases, fake tickets may be sent out which have no validity when the buyers attend the event.
It is relatively easy for scammers to set up a fake website that looks genuine at first sight, especially if it uses a name or URL that is similar to an official website.
Protect yourself from ticket fraud
Always buy your tickets through official channels such as the venue box office, the event promoter, official agent or reputable ticket exchange site.
If in doubt, check with the event organiser, promoter or venue how and when tickets are being distributed. If buying online through a third party, check the office address of the company concerned. If it is a PO box only, rather than a full postal address, steer clear.
If you choose to buy tickets from an individual (for example via eBay or a fan site), always use a secure payment method such as PayPal, where money is transferred between two electronic accounts.
Use search engines to check for customer reviews and feedback on the ticket provider. Study the terms and conditions and check that you are happy with the company’s refund policy. If dealing with a company or agency direct, ask questions such as when the ticket will be dispatched and what type of ticket you are buying.
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If you’re buying tickets for a football match, be aware that it’s illegal to re-sell football tickets under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.
For extra protection, pay for tickets by credit card, as the card issuer is jointly liable for a failure for goods or services over £100.
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