Beware of fake concert tickets, watchdog tells fans

With big concerts coming to Saskatchewan, the Financial Consumer Affairs Authority is reminding the public to take precautions when purchasing tickets.

Tickets to Jack White’s Regina concert in November and Paul Brandt’s February concerts with High Valley, Jess Moskaluke and the Hunter Brothers go on sale Saturday, and the FCAA advises buying tickets only from a primary seller such as Live Nation or Ticketmaster in the first 48 hours of going on sale.

“Saskatchewan residents and surrounding jurisdictions have exclusive access to tickets for concerts held in this province in the first hour of sale to the general public. After this hour, the primary seller can sell tickets to areas outside of Saskatchewan and surrounding jurisdictions,” the FCAA said in a press release.

That same rule applies for advertising: “In the first 48 hours of sale to the general public, only a primary seller can sell concert tickets. After 48 hours, resellers can advertise and resell tickets. If you buy from a resale site within the first 48 hours, tickets might be fake.”

Tickets may be fake if they are listed for sale without specific seat numbers and/or listed in U.S. dollar amounts for a Canadian show.

According to the FCAA, if you buy from a resale site and get a fake ticket, it may be easier to get a refund by purchasing tickets with a credit card compared to cash or debit. Read the terms and conditions on the card to understand what protections are available.

If consumers wish to file a formal complaint about ticket sales, they can contact the Consumer Protection Division toll free at 1-877-8805550 or by email.