Menu
08/06/2006
Warning on buying tickets online issued
Music fans have been warned about the risks of buying in-demand tickets through unofficial channels on-line by Consumer Direct.
The government's consumer advice service said that many music events for this summer have already sold out, leaving many fans with the choice of staying at home or trying to track down the highly sought-after tickets from other sources.
However, Consumer Direct spokesperson Michele Shambrook warned of the risk of purchasing tickets via online auctions or secondary ticket agency websites.
She said: "We receive a lot of calls from people complaining about tickets not being delivered, seats in the wrong location and counterfeits.
"If you want to be sure you will get the tickets you pay for, book tickets through official channels.
"Online auctions are a popular alternative, but you may not really know who you are dealing with or where they are based and you be faced with highly inflated prices.
"If you have a problem, your options are also limited so it's important to know what to look out for and what your rights are."
Many people who advertise tickets for sale on internet auction sites are private sellers, similar to classified ads in newspapers.
Consumer Direct warned that consumers can have fewer rights when they buy privately and the biggest problem can be trying to get money back if things go wrong.
Some auction websites offer complaints resolution processes or anti-fraud guarantees, but not all of them do, so it is important to check the terms and conditions.
Consumer Direct has provided guidance for music fans buying concert tickets on the internet. These are:
(KMcA/SP)
The government's consumer advice service said that many music events for this summer have already sold out, leaving many fans with the choice of staying at home or trying to track down the highly sought-after tickets from other sources.
However, Consumer Direct spokesperson Michele Shambrook warned of the risk of purchasing tickets via online auctions or secondary ticket agency websites.
She said: "We receive a lot of calls from people complaining about tickets not being delivered, seats in the wrong location and counterfeits.
"If you want to be sure you will get the tickets you pay for, book tickets through official channels.
"Online auctions are a popular alternative, but you may not really know who you are dealing with or where they are based and you be faced with highly inflated prices.
"If you have a problem, your options are also limited so it's important to know what to look out for and what your rights are."
Many people who advertise tickets for sale on internet auction sites are private sellers, similar to classified ads in newspapers.
Consumer Direct warned that consumers can have fewer rights when they buy privately and the biggest problem can be trying to get money back if things go wrong.
Some auction websites offer complaints resolution processes or anti-fraud guarantees, but not all of them do, so it is important to check the terms and conditions.
Consumer Direct has provided guidance for music fans buying concert tickets on the internet. These are:
- Get information from the official event website;
- Use reputable ticket agencies that are well known;
- Shop around as you may find tickets elsewhere - and cheaper;
- Make sure that you know the company or individual seller's full postal address. Never rely on just an email address;
- Don't assume an internet company is based in the UK just because its web address has 'uk' in it - check out the physical address and phone number;
- Look for websites that have an encryption facility - the web address starts https:// before you enter any personal information. There should also be a padlock at the bottom of the screen when you are filling in the payment details;
- Be sure you know exactly what is being sold including seat location, total price, including booking fees and transaction charges, the delivery date and any return or cancellation policy;
- You may have to pay delivery or postage costs. Check these with the seller before agreeing to buy;
- Save all information relating to the transaction and print out a copy of your order and any acknowledgement that you receive;
- Reduce some of the risk by paying with a credit card if the total price is more than £100. It could offer some protection for getting your money back if things go wrong;
- Find out what will happen if the event is cancelled and if you are entitled to a refund, including any additional fees you might have paid.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 December 2011
Shoppers Should Know Right To Return
The UK's fair trading body is urging shoppers to know their consumer rights when buying clothes for the Christmas party season or in New Year sales.
Shoppers Should Know Right To Return
The UK's fair trading body is urging shoppers to know their consumer rights when buying clothes for the Christmas party season or in New Year sales.
03 June 2009
Consumer Direct Issues Warning To Mobility Aid Buyers
A rise in complaints about mobility aids has led Consumer Direct to issue a warning about the sharp practices of some operators selling mobility scooters, bath aids and orthopaedic furniture.
Consumer Direct Issues Warning To Mobility Aid Buyers
A rise in complaints about mobility aids has led Consumer Direct to issue a warning about the sharp practices of some operators selling mobility scooters, bath aids and orthopaedic furniture.
09 January 2007
Second-hand cars have most complaints
More complaints were made about second-hand cars purchased from independent dealers than any other specific goods and services last year, according to the government's telephone and online advice service.
Second-hand cars have most complaints
More complaints were made about second-hand cars purchased from independent dealers than any other specific goods and services last year, according to the government's telephone and online advice service.
20 July 2012
Clampdown On Misleading Web Ads
Regulators will clamp down on adverts on Google, Gumtree and other websites which trick people into paying £1.50 a minute to ring free services such as NHS Direct or benefit helplines.
Clampdown On Misleading Web Ads
Regulators will clamp down on adverts on Google, Gumtree and other websites which trick people into paying £1.50 a minute to ring free services such as NHS Direct or benefit helplines.
23 March 2011
MP Sparks Move Against Ticket Touting
A Labour MP has sparked a campaign that could see a cap placed on the resale of tickets to music and sporting events. Labour's Sharon Hodgson has proposed anyone reselling their tickets should be limited to placing only a maximum of 10% onto the original price they paid.
MP Sparks Move Against Ticket Touting
A Labour MP has sparked a campaign that could see a cap placed on the resale of tickets to music and sporting events. Labour's Sharon Hodgson has proposed anyone reselling their tickets should be limited to placing only a maximum of 10% onto the original price they paid.
-
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.
