FAQ Friday: Tackle your ticket troubles
May 24, 2024
Summer festival season is upon us. For those of you lucky enough to have tickets for your event of choice, the excitement is building!
Issues arise sometimes with tickets that can be tricky to resolve. It’s important to know where you stand and what rights you have if this happens. Let’s look at some common ticket dilemmas we get asked about.
Q. I booked tickets for me and my friends to see our favourite band this summer. The lead singer pulled out due to sickness. The event is now cancelled until further notice. What rights do we have?
Your consumer rights will depend on where you buy your tickets from. You are protected by consumer law when buying from a business. If an event gets cancelled, you are entitled to a full ticket refund.
Buying your tickets from a private seller does not give you the same consumer protection. You may have problems trying to get a refund. For example, the original buyer of the ticket may have bought it by credit or debit card and a refund will be made to them.
Q. I heard recently on the news that ticket scams are on the rise. How can I prevent myself falling victim to this kind of fraud?
Fraudsters take advantage of sold-out concerts, music festivals, sporting occasions and other big events. After convincing you to pay them, they will either send you a ticket that is fake or not send you a ticket at all.
You should only buy tickets from an official ticket agent, promoter, a reputable ticket exchange website or from the venue itself. Know how to spot a ticket scam.
Top Tip
Pay for your ticket by credit or debit card. You will have the option to request chargeback from your card provider if a fraud or failure occurs. Make sure to check the terms and conditions of an event ticket before you buy.
Q. I bought tickets online for a concert, but my plans have since changed. Can I get my money back?
When buying online, you usually have a cooling-off period of 14 days. It means you can cancel during this time and do not have to give the business a reason. However, your right to cancel does not cover all types of goods and services. It does not apply to tickets for concerts, festivals, and sporting events. You cannot get a refund on these just because you change your mind.
Q. I often see tickets advertised on social media for events. Is this a good option for buying tickets?
Tread carefully if you are thinking of buying tickets in this way. Ticket sellers may decide to restrict the resale and exchange of tickets. You could find yourself refused access even after buying a genuine ticket on social media!
Social media channels are a popular go-to for scammers. They pose as fans reselling their tickets on social media platforms. They will vanish with your money, after convincing you that they are genuine. Our Money Hub has more information on social media scams.
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