Ticket scalpers on Western Australian Government’s radar after first spot fines issued

Five individuals have become the first to face legal action under the Western Australian Government’s new ticket scalping laws, with the infringement notices relating to the recent sold-out UFC 284 event at Perth’s RAC Arena, and further cases still under investigation.

On-the-spot fines of $2,000 each have been issued to the five people who allegedly breached the State Government’s new ticket scalping laws by re-selling tickets for more than the permitted 10% mark-up.

Action was taken by Consumer Protection’s Compliance and Investigation Unit against two scalpers in WA, two in New South Wales and one in Queensland.

Mark-ups in these five alleged cases ranged from 24 to 430%. In one case, a WA woman was selling tickets with an original sale price of $1,073 for $4,800 on an online marketplace.

The infringement notices are the first issued under the tough new measures introduced to protect eventgoers from price gouging.

Numerous other reports of ticket re-selling violations related to the UFC event are still being investigated by the regulator and further infringement notices are expected to be issued. If any cases go before the courts, individuals could face fines of up to $20,000 if found guilty.

The new laws, which were a Western Australian Government election commitment, came into effect on 10th September 2021, but only warnings have been issued up until this point as part of an educational transition period.

Western Australian Commerce Minister, Sue Ellery explained “the massive mark-ups we have seen in some of these alleged cases are not just illegal -  they’re immoral, as scalpers clearly seek to exploit WA consumers who are desperate to attend popular events that are sold out.

“Following the introduction of the anti-ticket scalping laws, only warnings were issued as part of an educational transition period to increase awareness of their new obligations.

“The grace period has now come to an end and action will be taken against individuals and companies who flout the law by exceeding the 10% mark-up permitted. Individuals who try to make a quick buck by re-selling tickets at illegally high prices are at risk of losing that profit and more by paying an infringement notice, or receiving higher penalties if they face court.

“Online buying and selling platforms that fail to have a system in place to quickly detect and delete these illegal ads also risk prosecution, as they are equally responsible under the anti-ticket scalping legislation.”

The Western Australian Government is encouraging the public to be on the lookout for scalpers who may break the law for future concerts and sporting events that are likely to be sold out, such as the AFL Western Derby at Optus Stadium on Sunday 2nd April.

Reports of ticket scalpers selling tickets for more than a 10% mark-up should be lodged with Consumer Protection by emailing consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or calling 1300 30 40 54.