Consumer watchdog Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) is urging those who have experienced problems in buying resold tickets to file a complaint as the body said it is investigating potential offences.
TSS, the national team for trading standards in Scotland, which is managed by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), gave an update on how it plans to ensure ticketing operators are compliant with consumer protection law after the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) last week threatened to take enforcement action against secondary ticketing websites suspected of breaches.
TSS, which is funded by the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, has a duty to coordinate and enforce cross boundary and national casework as well as undertake the specialist functions of tackling illegal money lending and ecrime.
According to the Herald newspaper, Fiona Richardson, chief officer for TSS, urged anyone concerned about a ticket they have purchased to contact the Citizen Advice Consumer Helpline
She said: “We are looking at potential offences under consumer protection from unfair trading regulations. So these would possibly occur where resellers acting in the course of a business do not provide consumers with sufficient information or mislead them.
“Whilst there is undoubtedly a role for the secondary ticket market, a small number of individuals unfortunately appear to be distorting the market, leading to confusion over the details or validity of tickets and in many cases driving prices up to levels that are unaffordable for many. We will continue to highlight what consumers should be aware of, in order to ensure they are able to make an informed decision.
“We are still in the initial stages of our investigations, however we are committed to working with the CMA in order to take action against those who are breaking the law, to ensure the best outcomes possible for consumers.”
IMAGE: SHBS
Share this