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Venues Warn Consumers About Secondary Market Ticket Brokers

Flickr user Todd / "You buys your ticket" (CC BY 2.0)

If you like to attend shows, chances are you've bought tickets online. Problem is, if you're doing a search and buying from the first site that pops up, there's a chance you're getting ripped off. 

These brokers have crafted legitimate looking websites, and often sell tickets at inflated prices, adding "service" fees. It's nothing new, but Carly Shank who works with Sangamon Auditorium in Springfield says 2014 has been the worst year for it yet:

"We've had a lot of high-profile events, and those are events that kind of help egg that problem along."

Shank says what the brokers are doing is legal - but consumers are still getting a bad deal.

"The absolute best thing is when you walk out to our box office - because then you can look at the maps and be there with ticket-seller in person."

Shank says it was even an issue for a local production of The Nutcracker. She encourages buying ticket directly from a venue's website and says the best option is to purchase tickets in person when possible. 

Rachel's reports currently focus on education and equity. She's also reported extensively on arts, community & diverse culture.