HOW TO AVOID “FAKE TIX SCAMS”

According to the ACCC’s ScamWatch, online scams are costing Australians $300 million a year.

This includes online fake tickets to live entertainment events.

To combat the increasingly sophisticated fake and reseller market, Live Performance Australia (LPA) has just released a “Safe Tix Guide - Tips for buying tickets safely and securely”. http://members.liveperformance.com.au/uploads/files/LPA%20-%20SAFE%20TIX%20GUIDE_Online-1502086596.pdf 

The Guide includes how to get your money back if you don’t get the tickets you paid for or if they turn out to be fake, and warns of risks when buying from unauthorised resellers.

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said “Public information is key to ensuring consumers don’t get misled or ripped off. A key message to all fans is buy from the ‘authorised seller’ for the event you want to attend. We’re increasingly hearing from consumers buying from resale sites and paying way above the face value of the ticket not knowing that they could still buy tickets through the authorised seller or that they got to the venue only to find out the ticket they bought was fake.

“It’s time consumers were armed with the facts about online ticket sales because informed buyers can protect themselves from being ripped off. It really is ‘buyer beware’ and fans need to take some simple steps to ensure they know what they’re buying,” said Ms Richardson.

The Guide advises paying for tickets with a credit or debit card for added protection, and details what to look for before buying including restricted view seats, restricted ages, cancellation policies and other special conditions.

Consumers are also warned not to trust search engines because unauthorised sellers can pay to be first in the list of ticket sellers.

Ultimately LPA encourages consumers to report fakes to the police and their local consumer protection agencies so they can investigate and take legal action.

LPA will continue to work with its industry members to inform and protect consumers.