Released on June 10, 2016
The Dixie Chicks are coming to Saskatoon but consumers should be careful before they pay a lot of money for tickets. In the past, when popular acts have come to Saskatchewan, the Consumer Protection Division of the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) has received complaints about high-priced tickets listed by third-party sellers.
The best way to ensure you pay a fair price for tickets is to buy them from the primary seller, typically Ticketmaster. Third-party sellers profit by marking up prices far beyond the face value of the original ticket.
Two big red flags for reseller tickets include:
- Tickets listed without specific seat numbers
- Tickets listed in U.S. dollar amounts
48 hour restriction on Advertising and Sales
It is 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. It is also illegal for the reseller to sell, advertise or list for sale, any tickets until at least 48 hours after the tickets to the same event were made available to the general public.
No Bots Allowed
It is illegal to use computer software (bots) to automatically buy tickets. It is also illegal to use or sell software to avoid or defeat a ticket seller’s website security, control system or measures designed to ensure a fair and equitable ticket buying process.
The Ticket Sales Act
The Ticket Sales Act (www.fcaa.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=e657ee51-e810-4a9a-ac83-1319f122dd8e) and regulations have more details about advertising restrictions, pre-sales and additional rules to protect consumers.
Report Ticket Fraud
If consumers wish to file a formal complaint or report ticket sales fraud, 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