Released on March 16, 2017
Tickets to Ed Sheeran’s latest concert may be tough to get, but if you see them listed for sale anywhere other than Ticketmaster before March 17 or within the first 48 hours of going on sale, be careful, scalpers are looking to gouge you.The Consumer Protection Division of the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) has received complaints in the past about ticket scalpers and fraudsters. Consumers are in the best position to protect themselves by only buying from primary sellers like Ticketmaster.
Three tips to spot scalpers or fraudsters include:
- Tickets listed for sale without specific seat numbers;
- Tickets listed in U.S. dollar amounts; and
- Tickets listed on a third-party site before sale to the general public has begun, or within the first 48 hours of going on sale.
48 Hour Restriction on Advertising and Sales:
It is illegal for the reseller to sell, advertise or list for sale, any tickets until at least 48 hours after the tickets were made available to the general public. It is also illegal for a reseller to sell, advertise or list for sale, any tickets to an event in Saskatchewan unless the tickets are in the person’s possession or control.
The Ticket Sales Act:
The Ticket Sales Act and regulations have more details about advertising restrictions, pre-sales and additional rules to protect consumers.
Report Fraud and Illegal Ticket Sales:
If consumers wish to file a formal complaint about ticket sales, they can contact the Consumer Protection Division toll free at 1-877-880-5550 or by email at consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Matthew Barton
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6067
Email: matthew.barton@gov.sk.ca