Fact Check: "Ticket touts make millions by bulk-buying concert tickets overseas."
What We Know
Ticket touting, the practice of buying tickets in bulk for resale at inflated prices, has been a significant issue in the live event industry. A recent investigation by the BBC revealed that ticket touts are employing teams of workers, often based overseas, to purchase tickets for high-demand concerts and events. This practice allows them to resell these tickets at substantial markups, sometimes as much as 40 times the face value (BBC). For instance, tickets for the Oasis reunion tour were being resold for over £6,000 shortly after their release, while genuine fans struggled to secure tickets (BBC).
The investigation uncovered that these touts, referred to as "ticket pullers," utilize illegal automated software and multiple identities to bypass ticketing systems, effectively committing fraud (BBC). One ticket pulling company in Pakistan claimed to have made over £500,000 in profits, with others reportedly making millions (BBC). The UK government is currently considering legislation to combat this issue, but critics argue that existing measures are insufficient (BBC).
Analysis
The evidence presented in the BBC investigation is compelling and highlights a systematic issue within the ticketing industry. The use of overseas teams to bulk-buy tickets is corroborated by testimonies from individuals involved in the practice, as well as undercover recordings that reveal the operations of ticket touts (BBC). The reliability of the BBC as a source is generally high, given its established reputation for investigative journalism and adherence to ethical reporting standards.
Moreover, the investigation aligns with broader concerns regarding the complicity of ticketing companies in facilitating these practices. Previous court cases have suggested that some ticketing firms may have colluded with touts, raising questions about the integrity of the ticketing ecosystem (BBC). While Ticketmaster has denied any involvement in such practices, the historical context provided by court documents and testimonies from former employees suggests a more complex relationship between ticketing companies and touts than is publicly acknowledged (BBC).
However, it is essential to consider potential biases in the reporting. The BBC's focus on the negative aspects of ticket touting may overshadow the efforts made by some ticketing companies to combat these practices. Nevertheless, the overwhelming evidence of ticket touts making millions through these methods supports the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that "ticket touts make millions by bulk-buying concert tickets overseas" is True. The evidence from the BBC investigation clearly demonstrates that ticket touts are employing overseas workers to acquire tickets in bulk for resale at significantly inflated prices. This practice not only undermines the integrity of the ticketing process but also leaves genuine fans frustrated and often priced out of attending events.
Sources
- Ticket touts employing workers to bulk-buy for concerts - BBC
- These touts made millions and claimed staff at big ticketing ... - BBC
- Undercover: Ticket Touts Use Overseas Teams to Bulk-Buy & Scalp - Quanta Sei
- Touts employ overseas workers to bulk-buy gig tickets - AOL
- FAQs and facts about ticket touting - FanFair Alliance
