Menu
09/03/2011
Gig-Goers Warned Of Online Scams
Gig-goers and sports fans have been warned not to be conned by the increasing number of sophisticated fake ticketing sites that are appearing online.
The Trading Standards Service (TSS) is warning that, in the last six months, it has received approximately 50 complaints from consumers after buying tickets from rogue websites.
Recent research from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) reveals that one in 12 ticket buyers have been caught out by scam ticket websites, with victims losing an average of £80 each.
One complainant, Karen Wilson from Lisburn, purchased five tickets online to see Michael Buble in Glasgow.
She paid £435 by credit card and was told the tickets would arrive one week before the concert.
When they did not arrive, she contacted the company and was assured that a representative would meet her at the venue on the day of the concert.
With flights and hotel booked in advance, Mrs Wilson went along with her friends to the venue but there was no sign of the representative or her tickets so she ended up paying for a concert she never got to see. Thankfully, she was refunded the cost of the tickets by her credit card company.
Kerry McAuley, TSS, said: "In the last year alone, dozens of Northern Ireland consumers have lost money to scam sites, offering tickets for everything from Peter Kay's recent gig at the Odyssey to Take That concert tickets.
"These sites offer cheap or scarce tickets to a popular event that is sold out or tickets that aren't even on sale yet. Once consumers have paid, the tickets aren't delivered, leaving fans disappointed and often hundreds of pounds out of pocket.
"Event-goers are often told that a customer representative will meet them at the venue on the day but nobody turns up.
"Attempts to contact the scam companies to complain are often thwarted when telephone calls go unanswered or divert to a different number, or the website has disappeared," she said noting that the Trading Standards Service is backing the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) 'Just Tick It' campaign, which urges event-goers to take simple steps to help ensure they are not scammed when buying tickets online.
Kerry concluded: "The 'Just Tick It' campaign gives ticket buyers the valuable advice they need to help protect themselves from ticket scammers when buying online. Consumers can avoid falling victim in the first place by following the clear and simple advice on how to spot a scam."
(BMcC/GK)
The Trading Standards Service (TSS) is warning that, in the last six months, it has received approximately 50 complaints from consumers after buying tickets from rogue websites.
Recent research from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) reveals that one in 12 ticket buyers have been caught out by scam ticket websites, with victims losing an average of £80 each.
One complainant, Karen Wilson from Lisburn, purchased five tickets online to see Michael Buble in Glasgow.
She paid £435 by credit card and was told the tickets would arrive one week before the concert.
When they did not arrive, she contacted the company and was assured that a representative would meet her at the venue on the day of the concert.
With flights and hotel booked in advance, Mrs Wilson went along with her friends to the venue but there was no sign of the representative or her tickets so she ended up paying for a concert she never got to see. Thankfully, she was refunded the cost of the tickets by her credit card company.
Kerry McAuley, TSS, said: "In the last year alone, dozens of Northern Ireland consumers have lost money to scam sites, offering tickets for everything from Peter Kay's recent gig at the Odyssey to Take That concert tickets.
"These sites offer cheap or scarce tickets to a popular event that is sold out or tickets that aren't even on sale yet. Once consumers have paid, the tickets aren't delivered, leaving fans disappointed and often hundreds of pounds out of pocket.
"Event-goers are often told that a customer representative will meet them at the venue on the day but nobody turns up.
"Attempts to contact the scam companies to complain are often thwarted when telephone calls go unanswered or divert to a different number, or the website has disappeared," she said noting that the Trading Standards Service is backing the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) 'Just Tick It' campaign, which urges event-goers to take simple steps to help ensure they are not scammed when buying tickets online.
Kerry concluded: "The 'Just Tick It' campaign gives ticket buyers the valuable advice they need to help protect themselves from ticket scammers when buying online. Consumers can avoid falling victim in the first place by following the clear and simple advice on how to spot a scam."
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Consumer Council Advice On Online Shopping Rights
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, consumers in Northern Ireland are gearing up for a flurry of online shopping. While many retailers have already started offering deals, concerns about potential delivery issues such as delays, lost parcels, and damaged goods are on the rise.
Consumer Council Advice On Online Shopping Rights
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, consumers in Northern Ireland are gearing up for a flurry of online shopping. While many retailers have already started offering deals, concerns about potential delivery issues such as delays, lost parcels, and damaged goods are on the rise.
21 November 2024
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
13 September 2024
People Urged To Be Extra Careful When Buying Tickets Online
Ahead of the festive season and its traditional pantomimes, shows and purchase of concert tickets as gifts Trading Standards Service (TSS) is reminding people to be careful when purchasing online tickets.
People Urged To Be Extra Careful When Buying Tickets Online
Ahead of the festive season and its traditional pantomimes, shows and purchase of concert tickets as gifts Trading Standards Service (TSS) is reminding people to be careful when purchasing online tickets.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
25 November 2024
How A VIN Check Can Save You Thousands In Repairs
Buying a used car can be quite exciting, with no shortage of risks involved. One crucial step you can take to help cover yourself is performing a VIN check. Much crucial information related to the history of a car is contained in a Vehicle Identification Number, and a well-conducted check saves man from costlier mistakes.
How A VIN Check Can Save You Thousands In Repairs
Buying a used car can be quite exciting, with no shortage of risks involved. One crucial step you can take to help cover yourself is performing a VIN check. Much crucial information related to the history of a car is contained in a Vehicle Identification Number, and a well-conducted check saves man from costlier mistakes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
