Invest
Ticket provider pays $7m for misleading consumers
A leading ticket provider has been ordered to pay $7 million after making misleading or false claims about reselling tickets.
Ticket provider pays $7m for misleading consumers
A leading ticket provider has been ordered to pay $7 million after making misleading or false claims about reselling tickets.

The Federal Court found in 2019 that Viagogo made false or misleading representations to consumers that it was the “official” seller of tickets to particular events, that certain tickets were scarce, and that consumers could purchase tickets for a particular price when this was not the case because significant fees, such as a 27.6 per cent booking fee, were not disclosed until late in the booking process.
The courts heard examples included a ticket for the Book of Mormon advertised at $135, but which was sold for $177.45 including booking and handling fees, as well as Ashes cricket tickets advertised at $330.15, but sold for $426.81 after fees were added.
In imposing the penalty of $7 million, Justice Burley described the misrepresentations as serious or very serious, and considered the conduct demonstrated a level of deliberateness. He described one category of representations as having been made on “an industrial scale”.
ACCC chair Rod Sims said: “Viagogo’s business practices were unacceptable. Viagogo misled thousands of consumers into buying tickets at inflated prices when they created a false sense of urgency by suggesting tickets were scarce and when they advertised tickets at a lower price by not including unavoidable fees.”

The court also observed the need for general and specific deterrence in this matter, particularly to make it clear to corporations which conduct internet-based operations in Australia that they are subject to the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
“Today’s $7 million penalty sends a strong signal to businesses like Viagogo conducting business in Australia that they cannot get away with profiting from misleading Australian consumers about the price of the tickets they are selling, or other misleading conduct.”
The Federal Court ordered an injunction against Viagogo to reinforce the need for adherence to the ACL. The court also ordered Viagogo to conduct a compliance program and pay the ACCC’s costs.
About the author

About the author


Spending
Moneysmart study reveals Gen Z women more concerned about finances than men
A new research conducted by ASIC’s Moneysmart has unveiled the heightened levels of stress and concern regarding finances and the cost of living among Australian Gen Z women compared to their male ...Read more

Spending
The cost of politeness: Aussies out of pocket by $1,350 due to 'awkward tax'
It's the time of year when Australians dive into their pockets for festive events and gatherings, yet a recent study by PayPal suggests that many are too polite, or perhaps too embarrassed, to ask for ...Read more

Spending
Aussies can ‘NAB Now Pay Later’ with the last major bank to embrace BNPL
NAB has become the latest bank to enter the BNPL market. Read more

Spending
Aussie households spent $368 a week on transport after petrol price surge
Fuel costs have increased by 40 per cent over the past year, a new report from the Australian Automobile Association has revealed. Read more

Spending
Voters say reducing the cost of living should be the government’s top priority
Aussies have ranked high cost of living as the top issue that needs to be addressed by the next government. Read more

Spending
Bodies back Labor’s commitment to stronger BNPL regulation
All parties should commit to stronger regulations for the BNPL sector, according to Financial Counselling Australia. Read more

Spending
Household spending surges led by retail and recreation
Spending on retail, recreation and hospitality have continued to climb as COVID-19 case numbers and restrictions have eased. Read more

Spending
Banks extend financial assistance to flood-affected customers
A range of assistance is available from major banks to those impacted by flooding in NSW and Queensland. Read more

Spending
Moneysmart study reveals Gen Z women more concerned about finances than men
A new research conducted by ASIC’s Moneysmart has unveiled the heightened levels of stress and concern regarding finances and the cost of living among Australian Gen Z women compared to their male ...Read more

Spending
The cost of politeness: Aussies out of pocket by $1,350 due to 'awkward tax'
It's the time of year when Australians dive into their pockets for festive events and gatherings, yet a recent study by PayPal suggests that many are too polite, or perhaps too embarrassed, to ask for ...Read more

Spending
Aussies can ‘NAB Now Pay Later’ with the last major bank to embrace BNPL
NAB has become the latest bank to enter the BNPL market. Read more

Spending
Aussie households spent $368 a week on transport after petrol price surge
Fuel costs have increased by 40 per cent over the past year, a new report from the Australian Automobile Association has revealed. Read more

Spending
Voters say reducing the cost of living should be the government’s top priority
Aussies have ranked high cost of living as the top issue that needs to be addressed by the next government. Read more

Spending
Bodies back Labor’s commitment to stronger BNPL regulation
All parties should commit to stronger regulations for the BNPL sector, according to Financial Counselling Australia. Read more

Spending
Household spending surges led by retail and recreation
Spending on retail, recreation and hospitality have continued to climb as COVID-19 case numbers and restrictions have eased. Read more

Spending
Banks extend financial assistance to flood-affected customers
A range of assistance is available from major banks to those impacted by flooding in NSW and Queensland. Read more