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Overview of Ticket Scalping


In the world of live events, ticket scalping has become a significant issue, affecting both genuine fans and the event industry as a whole.

What is ticket scalping?

Ticket scalping refers to the practice of purchasing tickets for events such as concerts, sports games, and theater shows and then reselling them at a higher price. This practice often results in genuine fans missing out on tickets or having to pay inflated prices.

How it works?

It involves the rapid purchase of tickets as soon as they are released. Scalpers use automated tools known as bots to bypass purchasing limits and secure large quantities of tickets. These tickets are then sold on secondary markets at remarkably higher prices, exploiting the high demand for popular events.

Types of scalper bots:

  • Spinner bots: These bots are designed to refresh ticketing websites repeatedly until tickets become available. They can quickly complete the purchase process, often faster than a human can.
  • Harvest bots: These bots collect and store ticket data, which is used to find the best opportunities for resale. They can analyze multiple ticketing sites simultaneously to find underpriced tickets.
  • Ticketing bots: These bots are highly sophisticated, capable of mimicking human behavior to avoid detection. They can solve CAPTCHAs, handle multiple purchasing sessions, and complete transactions without raising red flags.

Scalping regulations: 

The following laws are in place to combat ticket scalping fraud,

USA: The Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016 prohibits the use of bots to purchase tickets in bulk.

UK: The Digital Economy Act 2017 includes provisions to tackle ticket scalping by banning the use of bots and enforcing strict penalties on offenders.

Australia: Several states have enacted laws to regulate ticket resales, including caps on resale prices and requirements for transparency about original prices.

How to prevent ticket scalping?

  • Advanced ticketing technologies: Implementing technologies such as blockchain can ensure the authenticity of tickets and prevent duplication. Secure ticket distribution channels can also limit bot purchases.
  • CAPTCHA and other verification tools: Adding CAPTCHA and other verification methods can help identify and block automated bot activity.
  • Purchase limits: Enforcing strict limits on the number of tickets one can purchase at a time can reduce the effectiveness of scalper bots.
  • Collaboration with law enforcement: Working closely with law enforcement agencies to monitor and take action against illegal scalping activities can act as a deterrent.
  • Education and awareness: Raising awareness among fans about the risks of buying from unauthorized sellers and encouraging them to use official channels can reduce the market for scalped tickets.
Also read about website spoofing here

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