It’s summertime here in Boston and for many of us that means two things, Red Sox games at Fenway Park and concerts at the outdoor arenas in the area. As you search for those often hard to get tickets, you should be aware of ticket scalping and other scams.
The AGO’s Public Inquiry and Assistance Center recently received a call about the purchase of two Taylor Swift concert tickets through an online retailer. Unbeknownst to the caller, she was charged over 10x the face value of the ticket, paying over $150 for each $15 ticket. While some of us are more than willing to pay a inflated prices entertainment, others feel slighted that they may have been price gouged.
Under Massachusetts law, ticket resellers may charge a service fee, which may include but is not limited to, charges for messengers, postage, and long distance telephone calls, extensions of credit and costs attributable to resale. Ticket resellers may also charge for the cost of the ticket. However, it is illegal to increase the price of the ticket by more than two dollars ($2) above the face value of the original ticket.
If you feel you have been exploited by a ticket reseller, contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and file a complaint with their office. The DPS Commissioner may revoke the license and/or fine a ticket reseller found to be in violation of the statute.
While summer is all about entertainment, beware of ticket reselling scams that may leave your pockets empty!
Comments