AusLeisure

With Perth's RAC Arena set to host three World Title fights, including the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Lightweight World Title, on 12th May 2024, tickets for the Australian-exclusive event are on sale through Ticketek and are expected to sell-out quickly.

Boxing fans who may miss out on tickets to the premium world title event in May are being warned to avoid ticket scalpers and scammers.

Under laws introduced as part of a WA Government election commitment, it is illegal for tickets to WA events to be sold for more than 10% over the original ticket price when a resale restriction applies. Resellers must include the original ticket cost (including booking fees) and details of the section/bay, row and seat number in any advertisements.

Unauthorised resellers may also try to disguise the inflated ticket prices by offering a package that may include food or accommodation. These sales are allowed but only if the supplier provides a specific breakdown of the costs of goods and services in the package before any money is paid.

Fines range from $2,000 infringement notices to $20,000 if the matter goes to court for individuals or companies – including unauthorised ticket reselling platforms and classified websites publishing prohibited advertisements. Even higher penalties of $100,000 can apply to those using 'bots' to purchase bulk tickets which is also illegal in WA.

Action has already been taken by Consumer Protection against multiple offenders who sold tickets at illegally inflated prices to the Coldplay events at Optus Stadium in November 2023.

So far, nine $2,000 infringement notices and six formal warnings have been issued, with illegal mark-ups ranging from 53 to 334%, as investigations continue.

The State Government urges fans who miss out on tickets through Ticketek to only buy resale tickets from Ticketek Marketplace to avoid paying unlawfully inflated prices or being scammed by paying money for a ticket that fails to provide entry. Anyone who buys tickets from unauthorised ticket reselling platforms and classified websites, like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, risks being turned away from the venue if the ticket is invalid or fake.

WA Commerce Minister Sue Ellery notes "Major sporting events like this are fantastic exposure for Western Australia, but their popularity creates an opportunity for ticket scalpers to take advantage of fans who are prepared to pay much higher prices but could risk disappointment if they are refused entry on the day.

"If individuals purchase a ticket from an unauthorised source that doesn't comply with the laws, contact the supplier or individual seller and seek a refund. If you suspect you have been scammed, lodge a chargeback request with your bank.

"Individuals chasing some quick cash by reselling tickets at high prices risk losing that money and more after paying an infringement notice or being penalised further if they face court."

Reports of ticket scalpers selling tickets for more than a 10% mark-up should be lodged with Consumer Protection. More information can be found here.

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