Fans desperate to see their favourite acts are being warned about fake ticket scams, with criminals targeting Western Australians on social media and online marketplaces.
WA ScamNet, part of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety's Consumer Protection division, is already seeing signs that fake ticket scams may be on the rise again, with more than $1,000 lost to scammers in the first few days of September. The early reports are a warning that WA could see a repeat of last year, where over 80 per cent of losses occurred during the warmer months when festivals, outdoor concerts and other events ramped up.
The scammers create fake ads to sell tickets to events with payment requested by bank transfer or Pay ID. New social media profiles with little to no seller history is another red flag. Once payment is received, communication is blocked and the victim realises their money has been stolen. In other cases, victims don't realise they've been deceived until they try to enter the event only to find out their ticket is fake.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said buying tickets outside authorised sources - whether through social media, online marketplaces or unauthorised resale sites - can leave fans out of pocket or locked out of the venue if they receive duplicate, fake or cancelled tickets.
“Before paying for event tickets, stop and take a few minutes to check the seller is legitimate, and where possible use PayPal or a credit card for a better chance of getting your money back if something goes wrong,” she said.
The Commissioner also urged consumers to trust their instincts: “If something doesn’t look right, don’t go ahead with the payment. Reporting suspected scams to WA ScamNet also helps protect other Western Australians from becoming victims of this crime.”
Tips to avoid event ticket scams:
- avoid online ads and unauthorised ticket resale platforms;
- where possible purchase tickets from verified resellers;
- if buying from a private seller, pay via PayPal rather than bank transfer, as it offers buyer protection. Do not use the 'friends and family' function - this offers no protection;
- be suspicious of anyone offering tickets at too-good-to-be-true prices; and
- avoid new social media profiles with no seller history.
Under WA's ticket scalping laws, it is illegal to resell a ticket to WA concerts and events for more than 10 per cent above its original price. Advertisements must also display the original ticket price and location information, including section, row and seat number. Tickets risk cancellation if they don't comply with ticket reselling laws.
Scams can be reported through the WA ScamNet website: www.scamnet.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.
Further information on buying and selling events tickets can be found on the Consumer Protection website.