7 February 2008 Media Release

Trading Standards urges caution over web ticket sales

TRADING Standards Officers in South Lanarkshire are warning local 
consumers to be wary of buying event tickets over the internet.

The advice comes in the week that the BBC Watchdog programme 
featured concerns about Londonticketshop.co.uk, with many claiming
to have paid in advance for concert tickets they had never received.

Similar concerns had already been raised with the South Lanarkshire 
team by local residents, and officers are investigating allegations 
by those who claim to have lost hundreds of pounds to the Hungary-
based operation.

Now Peter Sherry, Trading Standards Manager wants to make sure that
potential concert-goers are aware of the risks they face when 
attempting to purchase tickets online.

“In the main, consumers tend to come across such websites via search
engines when they are trying to pick up tickets for sold-out events. 

Many sites, for example, offer tickets for events which are almost 
impossible to come by through authorised sources, and can provide 
a real temptation for those keen to secure a place at big-name gigs.

“One of the cases on the Watchdog programme featured someone who 
had paid almost £1500 for tickets to the Led Zeppelin reunion 
concert, and was left disappointed and out of pocket. 

“It is understandable that some may be prepared to part with such 
cash for what they see as a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity. 
However, we would always urge consumers to be very wary of paying 
out what can often be large sums of money, to a company with whom 
they have never spoken, or which has no direct address or contact 
number.

“At the very least we would advise buyers to use a credit card 
for any purchases over £100. In the majority of cases such 
transactions are protected against fraud and could mean the 
difference between getting your money back or not.”

Anyone who fears they may have lost money in this way or who is
seeking advice or tips on how to shop safely online, can contact
their local Trading Standards - details at www.scotss.org.uk

The London Ticket Shop was placed in receivership at the High
Court on 5th February 2008, see here for more details:
http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/compulsoryliquidation/lts.htm



Notes to Editors

Further information and assistance on this and other trading 
standards matters is available from local Trading Standards 
services which can be found through the SCOTSS website 
www.scotss.org.uk

SCOTSS is the professional body which represents trading standards 
services in all 32 Scottish local authorities. It coordinates 
fair trading, safety and weights & measures issues across the country.
As a section of the Trading Standards Institute its purpose is to 
promote excellence and enhance the professionalism of its members 
in support of informing consumers, encouraging honest businesses 
and targeting rogue traders.


ENDS