The Federal Trade Commission issued millions of dollars in fines against three bot-triggered ticket theft operations. The FTC says that these organizations have purchased more than 150,000 tickets to events in the past four years, securing them with automated tools that have escaped the online buying limits. After reselling these tickets for about $ 26.1 million, they were accused of violating a 2016 anti-bot law – the first time that law was applied.
Regulators reached a proposed deal with ticket sales groups, including $ 31.6 million in fines. However, most of these fines have been suspended due to the inability to pay. Instead, the three groups will pay a total of $ 3.7 million and will have to keep records that demonstrate their future compliance with the law. The deal has yet to be approved by a judge.
The Better Online Ticket Sales Act (BOTS) prohibits the use of software to circumvent ticket purchase limits – a practice that allows resellers to buy tickets in bulk and resell them at a high price. “This not only deprives loyal fans of the chance to see their favorite artists and shows, but it is against the law,” said Andrew Smith, director of the FTC’s consumer protection office, in a statement.
Although the complaints did not specify which programs the money changers were targeting, they note that the list includes many sporting events and other performances, including Elton John’s shows.