NSW Fair Trading Minister warns consumers over online ticketing scams

With the state set to host a range of events through 2023, the NSW Government is encouraging people to remain vigilant and avoid disappointment when buying tickets to sporting and entertainment events online.

With increasing demand for event tickets seeing a rise in scams and scalping, NSW Minister for Fair Trading, Victor Dominello today advised “people need to buy tickets from reputable platforms to avoid the risk of re-selling where the cost is often increased to exorbitant levels, in violation of State laws.

“Some consumers may also be scammed if they purchase tickets from resellers then find the ticket is invalid or not refundable if an event is cancelled.

“If online offers or private sales seem ‘too good to be true’, it’s often because they are.

“We can learn from previous cases of issues in ticket scalping, such as when tickets to the 2022 National Rugby League were offered at 49% above the original price on eBay.

“eBay was issued a $44,000 fine, so there are serious consequences.”

Concerned about ticketing scams, NSW Minister for Sport, Alister Henskens noted “it is important consumers know about the risk when buying from a reselling platform and know how to identify scams.”

NSW Minister for the Arts and Tourism Ben Franklin said consumers should be on the alert to the threat of scams when purchasing tickets to events and exhibitions, adding “I encourage everyone to prevent and minimise the risk of being scammed.

“If a price seems too good to be true or if a price is advertised for far more than originally advertised, these can be are signs of scalping or ticket fraud.

“If you spot the signs always stop to check. If a seller threatens you for immediate payment, it’s likely a scam.

“Check the communication is real by contacting the seller or organisation directly using details you have found yourself.”

Where a business is based in Australia, NSW Fair Trading will intervene to try and negotiate an outcome where someone has been scammed.

Where there is limited information, consumers will be made aware they have most likely been scammed and given options to attempt to recover their money, including informing the police and contacting their financial institution.

NSW Fair Trading urges consumers to report scams to the ACCC’s Scamwatch site at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Anyone who has dealt with a ticket reseller and was not satisfied with their interaction is encouraged to contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or online at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/contact-us