Event-goers across the state, including those in Greater Geelong, are being warned to take precautions when purchasing their tickets for major sporting and music events this summer.
The warning from the state government comes after Consumer Affairs Victoria received more than 1100 reports about event ticketing and ticket resales in the 2021–22 financial year.
Some Victorians reported overpaying for tickets on resale websites they could have purchased through the official ticketing outlet for a lower price. Others have reported being turned away from events because the ticket they purchased was not legitimate.
Consumer Affairs Minister Danny Pearson said he encourages Victorians to do their research before making any purchases.
“I urge everyone to do their research to ensure resale sites are legitimate before purchasing tickets and avoid the pain of missing out on an event you’ve been looking forward to,” he said.
“Victoria is the nation’s events capital – no one should miss out on our unrivalled offering for live sport and music because of a scammer.
“All event organisers and ticketing agencies should have contingency plans and understand their obligations if things don’t go as expected.”
Patrons who purchase tickets to an event in Australia are protected by Australian Consumer Law, which requires online ticket resellers to clearly disclose that they are a reseller and include the original price of the tickets they are reselling.
The government recommends the safest way to purchase tickets is through the official ticketing outline.
Anyone who believes they may have been caught up in a ticketing scam should contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for advice on 1300 55 81 81 or via consumer.vic.gov.au/generalenquiry.
