Bought a Ticket, Got Disappointed

Whether it’s concerts, sporting events, theatre performances, or festivals, popular events often sell out quickly. Many people turn to various online platforms to secure tickets, but this can come with risks such as overpriced tickets, unreliable sellers, or counterfeit tickets. Sabine Brandl, a legal protection expert at ERGO, explains how consumers can spot dubious offers and what steps to take if they have already fallen victim to an unscrupulous seller.

Risks of Buying Tickets from Third Parties: Wrong Seat, No Event

Buying tickets on the secondary market can seem tempting, but it carries significant risks. “Unlike official ticket portals, which are authorised directly by organisers to sell tickets, many secondary platforms merely act as intermediaries between private individuals,” explains Sabine Brandl. While many transactions go smoothly, problems can arise. “When issues do occur, buyers often feel abandoned,” she adds. The timely delivery of tickets depends on the seller acting quickly; sometimes tickets arrive only shortly before the event or even too late. In some cases, consumers may receive completely different seats than purchased—such as standing tickets instead of seated ones—or find that the event has been cancelled or never took place at all.

Price Gouging and Fraud Risks

Additional concerns include overinflated prices and hidden extra costs. Sellers or platforms may add surcharges, and service or booking fees can often only become visible at the final step of the purchase. There are also cases where customer service is hard to reach, or responses to complaints are automated. Anotherissue is counterfeit or invalid tickets. “Especially when tickets are resold multiple times, or if tickets are faked or the event is completely fabricated, buyers can face a unpleasant surprise at the gate,” says Brandl. It’s also important to check whether tickets are personalised. Many organisers strictly enforce the name printed on the ticket for entry. “Without official transfer, buyers risk being turned away even if their ticket is technically valid,” she warns. The greatest risk of fraud is on social media and classified ad sites, where regulation is minimal and scammers can operate freely.

Legal Recourse for Events That Did Not Take Place

If buyers have purchased fake tickets or tickets for an event that never took place, they have options to recover their money and pursue legal claims. It’s crucial to formally cancel the contract in writing and also to declare rescission of the purchase agreement. Sending a registered letter with a return receipt is recommended. “If there’s deliberate deception, the buyer can annul the contract,” explains Brandl. This applies mainly to tickets for events that were never intended to happen.

The Special Case: Sports Events Without a Fixed Date

In some cases, such as certain sporting events, the exact date may not be known at the time of purchase. In such situations, rights are usually governed by the organiser’s general ticket conditions. If these allow refunds, buyers should expect only the face value of the ticket to be reimbursed—not any inflated resale price demanded by a third-party seller. There’s no automatic right of withdrawal as in online shopping for leisure events.

Seeking Advice from Consumer Centres

Consumers can also seek assistance from consumer advice centres. They offer online tools to help assess claims and prepare appropriate correspondence. Paying by credit card can be particularly advantageous, as it makes recovering funds easier in cases of fraud and offers additional protection. However, this only applies if genuine fraud has occurred and can be proven, not just in cases of complaints. For personalised tickets, early contact with the organiser or the sales platform can sometimes help with re-allocations or transfers, though fees may apply. Often, the original buyer must initiate or approve the transfer, as personalised tickets are designed to prevent resale at inflated prices. If a transfer isn’t possible, entry at the event cannot be guaranteed.

Buying Tips: Pre-Sales, Payment, and Proof

To avoid scams and paying over the odds when purchasing tickets for popular events, buyers should follow some basic safety rules. Always choose secure payment methods—credit cards or PayPal offer buyer protection and make it easier to reclaim funds in case of fraud. Payments through friends-and-family options are riskier. It’s also essential to keep all receipts and copies carefully—email confirmations, payment receipts, and tickets should be stored both digitally and physically as proof in case issues arise.

Enjoy the Event with Peace of Mind

To be fully prepared before the tickets go on sale, have your login details ready, create an account in advance, and save your payment information. Extremely low prices, tight deadlines,or anonymous sellers are warning signs. Checking the organiser’s terms and conditions can reveal how much protection is actually offered and whether extra fees apply. It’s also wise to read reviews and experiences from other buyers to better assess sellers. Secondary market platforms often allow ticket resale, but the safest option remains purchasing directly from the official organiser or a reputable ticket provider. Being flexible about seating or dates can also improve your chances of securing tickets.