UFC 305 Perth: Consumer Protection warns fans about ticket scalping ahead of event at RAC Arena

UFC fans desperate to attend the event at Perth’s RAC Arena on Sunday are being warned against buying last-minute tickets from unauthorised sellers.

Consumer Protection has issued an alert urging fans to only purchase tickets through Ticketek or Ticketek Marketplace amid a surge in scalpers inflating ticket prices and selling tickets that have breached WA laws.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake has told people to familiarise themselves with the law before selling or buying tickets to avoid breaking the law or being denied entry to the event.

“If you buy resale tickets through an unauthorised source – like a reselling platform or online marketplace – you not only run the risk of being charged too much, but also being denied entry to the event if the ticket is cancelled for breaching WA laws,” Ms Blake said.

“People looking to sell their own tickets should familiarise themselves with the legislation requirements and steer clear of posting negotiable prices, like the commonly used ‘$1,234’ amount, as it could land them in trouble.”

Scalpers use the ‘$1,234’ price on platforms like Facebook Marketplace to indicate a they are open to offers or want to negotiate a swap, while buyers use it to indicate tickets are wanted.

However, it is illegal to sell any ticket for more than 10 per cent above the original ticket price, with offences carrying a fine of anywhere between $2000 to $100,000.