Matthew Mason-Cox med rel: Consumers advised to beware when buying concert tickets

NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox is encouraging consumers who are planning to purchase concert tickets to buy from reputable ticketing agencies, as complaints surge.

“Complaints about concert ticket purchases increased 64 per cent to 604 in the 2013/14 financial year,’’ said Mr Mason-Cox. “That compared to 389 complaints in the previous financial year.

‘The cancelled New Year’s Eve concert at Wet N Wild by the promoter One Cube Entertainment accounted for the majority of this increase. “However, NSW Fair Trading remains concerned that aside from the significant impact on consumers of this one event, overall complaints have still increased by about 11 per cent on the previous year.

“Most complaints related to organised entertainment events, such as concerts and festivals, with the cancellation or significant change to events being the most common reason for triggering these complaints.

“Attending a concert and other entertainment events is supposed to be fun but things can quickly turn sour when consumers are not aware of the terms and conditions under which they are buying the tickets, especially if they aren’t from a reputable ticket seller.

“The Live Performance Ticketing Code of Practice, which is voluntary, aims to provide protection for consumers in the live performance industry. “That is why NSW Fair Trading is urging consumers to always purchase tickets from an authorised ticketing agency.

“Consumers are advised that if they purchase tickets using PayPal, to contact the PayPal Resolution Centre, if they experience any problems, as they may be protected through the PayPal Buyer Protection program.

“People should also be aware that the Australian Consumer Law does not provide consumers with a right to a refund if their circumstances change and they are unable to attend the event.

“It is important that consumers check the ticket terms and conditions to see if the organisers provide refund options, in addition to their legal obligations.”