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:

• 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.

For more information on consumer issues, contact Consumer Direct on: 08454 04 05 06 or visit the website at: www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

(KMcA/SP)