Ticket touts are reportedly using teams of overseas workers to buy large quantities of tickets for major concerts, as uncovered by a bombshell investigation conducted by BBC Wales. These "ticket pullers," as they are called, are said to be making "millions" by acquiring tickets to high-demand events, such as Taylor Swift's Eras tour and the much-anticipated Oasis reunion concerts, which have seen resale prices soar to over £6,000.
The investigation revealed that these touts employ staff abroad to facilitate the rapid purchase of tickets when they go on sale, creating a barrier for genuine fans who often spend hours online trying to secure entry to their favorite shows. Ali, a leader in the ticket pulling operation from Pakistan, admitted to buying hundreds of tickets and boasted about the success of his team. He claimed some touts could earn over £500,000 a year through these methods.
Reports indicate that these ticket pulling operations often utilize automated software and multiple identities to circumvent traditional ticket-buying protocols, potentially committing fraud in the process. One insider from the ticketing industry claimed that many could acquire vast numbers of digital "queue passes," allowing them to bypass the waiting periods set by official ticketing websites.
An anonymous former employee of the resale platform Viagogo recounted the rampant bulk-buying practices, reinforcing the notion that many fans are being denied fair access to tickets due to this ticket hoarding. Viagogo has denied these claims, asserting that the majority of their sellers do not engage in such activities.
In addition to music events, the practice extends to other entertainment forms, including Premier League football matches, where reports have highlighted numerous illegal listings for tickets being sold at inflated prices. These operations not only violate existing laws against unauthorized resale but also underline the challenges faced by consumers seeking legitimate access to events.
While the UK government has promised more rigorous actions to combat ticket touting, many critics feel the response lacks potency. With laws in place since 1994 prohibiting unauthorized ticket resale, the significant increase in illegal practices raises questions about enforcement efficacy.
As ticket prices continue to escalate, UK officials are now pushing for measures that would limit resale prices and increase penalties for violations. However, stakeholders like Dame Caroline Dinenage express concern that loopholes still exist, allowing for rampant exploitation of ticket sales.
As frustrations mount among real fans missing out on events, industry experts and government officials alike seek a solution to bring integrity back to ticketing and ensure that profits benefit the live events sector rather than lining the pockets of unscrupulous touts.
