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Jacko tickets: Don’t throw cash after bad
Cops warn star’s fans of rogue touts
MICHAEL Jackson fans are being warned against buying tickets to tribute shows from rogue touts in the West End.
Thousands of adoring fans were left out of pocket following the star’s death because scam ticket agencies refused to pay out on refunds.
Now the police and council are stepping up a campaign to stop people being ripped off by unscrupulous touts looking to exploit the situation through the numerous rumoured tribute concerts.
Detective Superintendent Charlie McMurdie said: “Organised criminal networks make use of social engineering on the internet to convince victims to purchase false or non-existent tickets for concerts and sporting events.
“We are working in partnership internationally with web-hosting companies and domain name registrars to disrupt this activity by taking down the offending websites and identifying those responsible.
“I would advise the public that when purchasing tickets online they should always check with the event organisers as to who the correct agents responsible for selling the tickets for the event are.”
More than 300 people have complained to Westminster Council about online ticket touts.
Last month Tickets2ride.com was closed down by police after it was found to be selling non-existent tickets to Michael Jackson concerts for exorbitant fees. One ticket, which had a face value of £75, was on sale for £2,250.
Dean Ingledew, director of community protection, said: “Michael Jackson’s death has thrown the spotlight on dodgy ticket agencies by showing how many thousands of people are left out of pocket when something goes wrong.
“I only hope the high-profile coverage of his tragic death and the plight of his fans raises awareness among concert goers to be extra savvy when it comes to booking tickets.
“We are now hearing of possible tribute concerts and no doubt the touts will be out in force offering ‘once-in-lifetime’ tickets to fans desperate to be part of the final Jackson experience.
“It’s vital people use official retailers such as the venue or promoter to buy their tickets and don’t rely on secondary sales online.” |
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