NSW Fair Trading urges consumers to avoid ticket resellers

September 19, 2022

Consumers are being urged to avoid dealing with ticket reselling platforms that advertise tickets to popular events, often at exorbitant prices in violation of NSW laws.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann notes “In NSW, ticket sellers are prohibited from reselling a ticket for more than 10% above the original price for an event held in the state.”

Football fans racing to secure tickets for the finals and parents making plans for the upcoming school holidays are reminded that it is against the law for tickets to events in NSW to be resold for profit.

Commissioner Mann advises “Corporations found breaching ticket reselling laws can be fined up to $110,000, while individuals can be fined up to $22,000.

“If a ticket is sold for more than the allowed cap, the event organiser may cancel the ticket and refuse entry to the person who holds it.”

Data collected by NSW Fair Trading showed a single ticket to the National Rugby League grand final in Sydney on 2nd October 2022 was being offered at 49% above the original price of a ticket in the same section of the ground on a ticket reselling website.

In other examples of transactions on ticket reselling websites, a consumer paid $977 for two tickets to Robbie Williams when the face value of the tickets was $198.

In another case, a consumer paid $700 for tickets to Harry Styles that had a total value of $300.

“Frustrated consumers have also contacted NSW Fair Trading with complaints about fraudulent or fake tickets, or tickets being purchased but not delivered and delays receiving a refund for cancelled events,” Commissioner Mann added.

“NSW Fair Trading conducts regular compliance activities in relation to the reselling of tickets for events in NSW.

“Consumers should avoid dealing with ticket resellers in order to avoid disappointment.”

Anyone who has dealt with a ticket reseller and are 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.

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