PUBLIC WARNING OVER ONLINE TICKET SCALPERS

Peak industry body, Live Performance Australia (LPA), today issued a public warning to all Australian consumers to make sure that they only purchased tickets from authorised ticket sellers appointed by the venue or the producer.

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said “There is growing concern within our industry that websites are springing up offering tickets to shows that the re-seller has no affiliation with, and at ridiculously elevated prices. Consumers need to be aware that tickets can only be sold by authorised sellers and are sold on condition that they may not be transferred or resold above face value. Any breach of these conditions may result in tickets being cancelled and ticketholders refused entry to events.

“We’re very concerned that the business practices of these unauthorised ticket sellers is misleading. In recent times we have seen (websites) using unauthorised images of performers on websites to lure consumers into believing the website is an authorised seller and advertising tickets for a performance where tickets are not available to the general public. This is clearly unacceptable and wrong”, she said.

LPA’s President, Andrew Kay said, “Unfortunately scalpers are now taking on the façade of legitimate businesses and hiding behind sophisticated websites to advertise tickets to shows that they have no authority to sell. Whether you are going to a concert, theatre, musical, ballet, opera, circus, festival or any other live performance event, you need to make sure you buy from an authorised and reputable ticketing agent who has been appointed by the venue or the producer to market those tickets. If you are in any doubt, always check with the producer or the venue."

About Live Performance Australia

Live Performance Australia is the peak body for Australia’s live entertainment and performing arts industry, and the presenter/producer of the Helpmann Awards®. Established in 1917 and registered as an employers’ organisation under the Workplace Relations Act 1996.

Live Perfromance Australia represents 374 member organisations including producers, venues, promoters, performing arts companies, festivals, ticketing companies and production companies working across all live performance genres, including contemporary music, musical theatre, classical music, theatre, comedy, dance, opera, circus and physical theatre.

From Media Release.

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