Issued by Dale Webster, Executive Director, Consumer, Building and Occupational Services - 28 August 2017
The Director of Consumer Affairs is warning consumers about buying event or concert tickets from ticket resale website Viagogo.
Viagogo, with headquarters in Switzerland, promotes itself as a ticket re-seller to major events, including concerts, sporting events and theatre.
The warning follows the announcement earlier today by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that it had commenced action in the Federal Court of Australia against Viagogo. The ACCC alleges that Viagogo has made false or misleading representations in contravention of the Australian Consumer Law.
The ACCC's court action is separate to the warning issue by the Director of Consumer Affairs under section 223 of the Australian Consumer Law (Tasmania) Act 2010.
A large number of consumers across Australia have reported that tickets purchased are provided with incorrect names, are fake or are not provided at all. Claims of hidden fees and charges are common, and consumers also often report not being aware they were dealing with a secondary ticket seller.
To date, Viagogo has refused to engage with Australian Consumer Law regulators and has made no attempt to resolve complaints received from Australian consumers.
Consumers should use authorised ticket sellers for an event, rather than secondary sellers like Viagogo.
Until such time as Viagogo improves its business practices, consumers are advised to think twice before dealing with them.
While making individual decisions, Australian Consumer Law regulators have worked cooperatively in considering consumer issues arising in relation to ticket reselling.
Tasmanian consumers who have had a negative experience with Viagogo may make a complaint to Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS):
- By phone: 1300 654 499
- By email: cbos.info@justice.tas.gov.au
More information about consumer issues can be found at www.cbos.tas.gov.au
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