- Ticket scalping alert for UFC fans desperate to attend weekend event
- Warning for resellers about posting negotiable '$1234' prices
- Only buy tickets through Ticketek or Ticketek Marketplace to avoid overpaying
Fans hoping to secure last-minute tickets to the popular Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 305 event at Perth's RAC Arena this Sunday, 18 August 2024 are being warned against dealing with resellers on unauthorised platforms and marketplaces.
Consumers are urged to proceed with caution when tempted by second-hand tickets advertised online that are not sold from Ticketek or Ticketek Marketplace.
Consumer Protection is concerned the coming days could see scalpers emerge offering tickets to the event at inflated prices, above the maximum 10 per cent mark-up allowed by law.
To avoid the risk of overpaying or being denied entry, fans are urged to only buy through the authorised ticket seller, Ticketek, or its official resale site Ticketek Marketplace.
There is a further warning for individuals with tickets for sale to avoid posting advertisements online with a price of '$1,234' listed. Consumer Protection understands this figure may be used to indicate the seller is open to offers or wants to negotiate a swap arrangement, while buyers may use it to indicate tickets are wanted. However, under WA's ticket scalping laws, this amount would be considered the advertised or offered price and could attract enforcement action if more than 10 per cent above the original ticket price.
Consumer Protection can issue fines of $2,000 for ticket scalping offences, while courts may impose further penalties of up to $20,000 for individuals and $100,000 to those illegally using 'bots' to purchase bulk tickets.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said scalpers often came out of the woodwork when popular events like the UFC come to town.
"If you buy resale tickets through an unauthorised source - like a reselling platform or online marketplace - you not only run the risk of being charged too much, but also being denied entry to the event if the ticket is cancelled for breaching WA laws," Ms Blake said.
"People looking to sell their own tickets should familiarise themselves with the legislation requirements and steer clear of posting negotiable prices, like the commonly used '$1,234' amount, as it could land them in trouble."