Creative Victoria has launched a campaign to help people hold onto their money in the face of unscrupulous ticket scalpers.
Launching its Don’t get ripped off education campaign, the Agency said the campaign addressed the State’s new laws around ticket scalping.
“[The campaign] lets Victorian event goers know that there are new laws in place to stop ticket scalpers ripping off audiences and ensure that tickets to major events are available for everyone,” Creative Victoria said.
“Ticket package sellers are now required to be authorised by the event organiser,” it said.
“When the Government declares an event as a major event, it becomes illegal to sell or advertise for resale tickets for more than 10 per cent above face value.”
Creative Victoria said that under the new laws, ticket advertisements must also include ticket and seating details.
In a statement, the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) said the internet had made it easier for people to buy tickets.
“It has also encouraged a thriving resale market,” the Department said.
“Purchasing tickets on the resale market can be a convenient option for consumers, however it can also bring risks.”
It said people could protect themselves from dodgy ticket scalpers by checking the event website for details on their official ticket seller, only purchasing from the official ticket seller, and remembering that the first search engine result may not be the official seller.
DJPR also advised people to pay by credit card or PayPal, read the terms and conditions of their tickets, check the full cost of tickets to make sure they did not paying more than they should, and to keep all documentation and receipts.
Creative Victoria’s 15-second campaign ad can be accessed, with sound, on YouTube at this PS News link.
