Court threat to web ticket firm over rip-offs

thE secondary ticket company Viagogo could face court action for exposing its customers to rip-offs and disappointments.

the website, which takes 25 per cent of the price of tickets it sells, has been accused by MPs of ‘naked mis- selling’, ‘fraud’ and ‘lying to the public’.

the Competition and Markets authority said yesterday Viagogo appears to have flouted a legally binding commitment to provide clear information about tickets on sale and customers have had problems getting money back under a refund guarantee.

the CMa said three other ticket websites – Stubhub, Getmein! and Seatwave – have agreed to change the way they do business to make sure they treat customers fairly, for example by making it clear whether there is a risk that they might be turned away at the door of events and saying which seat in the venue they will get.

But the CMa’s Michael Grenfell said: ‘So far Viagogo has failed to address our concerns. We are prepared to use the full range of our powers to protect customers, including action through the courts.’

alex Neill, of the consumer group Which?, said: ‘We have repeatedly exposed secondary ticketing websites, including Viagogo, for playing fast and loose with the rules and putting people at risk of getting a raw deal on tickets, so we welcome the competition authority taking strong action.’

Last month the Daily Mail revealed that Viagogo pays Google to appear top of results on internet searches, fooling some into thinking it is the official ticket seller.