Buy from authorised sellers and secure websites
It’s safest to buy your tickets online through a reputable authorised seller, with a secure website.
Make sure that ticket sellers who appear first in your online search result are actually the authorised ticket seller and not a reseller who has paid to be at the top of the search list.
Use these helpful online safety tips:
- Get advice from family and friends who have bought from the seller, or check online forums, feedback and reviews from previous customers.
- Check that the organiser is a member of Live Performance Australia (LPA). LPA members must follow a code of practice for ticketing.
- If the seller claims to be a registered company, look up their Australian company number (ACN) on the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) website. If they’re a registered business, look up their Australian Business Number (ABN) – visit the ABN lookup website
- At the checkout page, make sure the URL or web address starts with https: (instead of just http:) and look for a padlock symbol – this means the page is secure.
- If you choose the option of having your ticket sent by mail, choose to register it so you can track its delivery.
- Check the tickets for any restrictions- an authorised ticket seller and reseller is required to provide buyers with clear and accurate information.
- Check closely for any additional charges, such as membership fees, which could be ongoing. Look out for boxes that have been automatically ticked – these could be adding costs to your purchase.
Be savvy if buying resale or second-hand tickets
Tickets purchased from authorised sellers often restrict their resale or transfer. Promoters and venues can also have conditions of entry.
If you buy from an unauthorised seller or reseller, you risk:
- being turned away at the venue
- not getting the seats you've selected
- not being made aware of certain conditions (for example, restricted view)
- not getting a ticket, or getting a fake one.
Your rights to a refund or exchange may also be affected if the show is postponed or cancelled.
Be wary of websites that ‘appear’ to be authorised ticket sellers. Fake ticketing websites may offer ticket lotteries or competitions, and these scams will often request additional payments or personal information to secure tickets.
Remember, the ACL does not apply to private transactions between two people. If you buy from another person (consumer-to-consumer transaction), you will not be able to seek a refund if something goes wrong.
Purchase your tickets with either a credit card or through a reputable payment service
Pay with a credit card or payment service (such as PayPal) where possible. This will ensure that you have protection if anything goes wrong with the purchase as you may be able to seek a chargeback from your credit card company or the payment service.
Notify your credit card provider immediately if you become aware of an unauthorised transaction on your account. Be aware that debit cards do not have the same level of protection as credit cards against fraudulent use.