Ticket scalpers are only getting worse, here’s how:

Following a surge in ticket scalping cases across Australia, authorities are issuing a fresh warning for event-goers to take extra care.

According to an ABC report, the ACCC claims scalpers have begun to target young audiences. They’re reporting more than $100 million stolen from Australians in 2018, via social media scammers. These figures account for at least 15% of money lost.

“People should be cautious about purchasing tickets online through social media from people they don’t know,” a spokesperson for the ACCC said. “Always try to verify the seller’s identity and the legitimacy of tickets before paying for them.”

Why are ticket scalpers still thriving? 

At this point, there is no national government legislation that truly prevents scalpers.

How are they tricking me so easily?

Well, for most large concerts, a Google search will reveal a Viagogo ticket link. This isn’t good. Viagogo are taking advantage of music and entertainment fans. They’re providing scalpers with an opportunity to sizeably increase ticket costs. Often times, consumers aren’t even receiving the tickets they’ve paid for.

How can I avoid being duped into buying fake tickets? 

Be weary of the entire ticket buying process. Only use appropriate and official ticket selling sites. We’re talking Ticketmaster, Oztix, Moshtix, and Ticketek etc. NEVER, ever use secondary resell platforms, unless they’re officially endorsed.

Vulnerable and unaware music fans have taken a massive hit here. A Wollongong punter Jake Arndell told the ABC he was scammed. Arndell lost $300 on social media when he attempted to buy tickets to a NYE event. Following an investigation, the ABC deemed the seller to be a Nigerian scammer.

According to ACCC reports, there were over 1,000 complains in 2018. Let’s aim to fix that, yeah?

For now, folks, be weary.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.