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SeatGeek is reportedly facing a class action lawsuit over accusations that it is in breach of New York State laws regarding the listing of ticket prices.
The American ticketing company has been challenged by three New York-based ticket buyers who are named as the plaintiffs. The lawsuit filed against the company claims that it has been “improperly charging consumers on their website in violation of the New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law”.
This follows proposals for a nationwide law forcing ticketing platforms to show the full price of every ticket upfront including booking fees.
In New York, a law came into effect in 2022 that states “any platform that facilitates the sale or resale of tickets” must “disclose the total cost of the ticket, inclusive of all ancillary fees that must be paid in order to purchase the ticket, and disclose in a clear and conspicuous manner the portion of the ticket price stated in dollars that represents a service charge, or any other fee or surcharge to the purchaser”.
It adds that, “such disclosure of the total cost and fees shall be displayed in the ticket listing prior to the ticket being selected for purchase” and “the price of the ticket shall not increase during the purchase process”.
The plaintiffs claim that SeatGeek is not doing this, as ticket-buyers using the platform are “initially quoted one price, only to later be shown the true total ticket, which includes an additional ‘fees'”.
“These added fees are only presented after consumers select their ticket option and pass through multiple screens in the purchase process,” the lawsuit continued.
The lawsuit stated that SeatGeek sold at least 100,000 tickets through its website and is liable for a minimum of $5 (£3.95/€4.60) in statutory damages for each ticket sold.
Therefore, “the aggregate amount in controversy exceeds $5 million, exclusive of interest, fees, and costs”.
The plaintiffs are seeking class action status so that a judgement against SeatGeek would benefit other affected ticket-buyers too.
TheTicketingBusiness has contacted SeatGeek for comment.
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