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Keep your wits about you - there are a LOT of counterfeit tickets to big events doing the rounds

Ticketmaster have warned music and sporting fans to be on the lookout.

IF YOU’RE ON the way to a major musical or sporting event on these shores in the near future you’ll need to be vigilant – there’s a lot of dodgy tickets doing the rounds according to wholesaler Ticketmaster.

Tickets are big business at present, with the re-sale market on sites like Gumtree particularly popular when it comes to events of all shapes and sizes.

Now, with the likes of a sold-out All Ireland semi final and Electric Picnic (for which tickets are like gold dust) on the way in the near future, scam artists are using the opportunity to take advantage and make hay.

“We have seen a number of people very disappointed when they were turned away from recent shows because their tickets were fake,” said Keith English, managing director of Ticketmaster Ireland.

2/9/2011 Electric Picnic Music Festivals Tickets being scanned at the entrance to Electric Picnic Laura Hutton / Photocall Ireland Laura Hutton / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

For Electric Picnic in particular, fans are reminded that the event is completely sold-out and that no ‘Print at Home’ delivery option was given when tickets were originally on sale.

“We would urge fans to only buy tickets from official sources otherwise they cannot be sure whether the tickets are genuine or not,” says English.

They could end up having their day ruined when they are refused entry to the event and be at the loss of their money as well.

English added that Ticketmaster are working closely with gardaí to combat the problem of fake tickets.

A Garda spokesman would not be drawn on the issue in detail, but told TheJournal.ie “as always we would recommend that people buy their tickets from recommended retail outlets”.

Read: Jason Ryan has resigned as Kildare’s senior football manager

Read: 19 great things little that have happened at Irish music festivals

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16 Comments
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    Mute John
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    Aug 28th 2015, 3:56 PM

    I bought a ticket in the last General Election for a Better Ireland, turns out it was a fake too.

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    Mute Garwig
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    Aug 28th 2015, 4:02 PM

    Brilliant , Me too turns out they didn’t even sign the contract either.

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    Mute Mr N
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    Aug 28th 2015, 3:55 PM

    Ticketmaster aren’t exactly innocent in this, with their ticket reselling companies.

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    Mute John S
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    Aug 28th 2015, 6:44 PM

    Well if somebody buys a ticket to Electric Picnic 2014, more the fool he….

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    Mute funkybuscuits
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    Aug 28th 2015, 4:17 PM

    this is just propaganda to make sure you buy tickets from ticketmaster! I have 2 spare ones for electric picnic anyway if anyone’s looking. legit as fcuk

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    Mute Mark Noonan
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    Aug 28th 2015, 4:37 PM

    Are they more legit than your user name?

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    Mute funkybuscuits
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    Aug 28th 2015, 4:59 PM

    slightly funkier

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    Mute RMcG
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    Aug 28th 2015, 4:45 PM

    My rugby world cup tickets were stolen, I moved address & the mail redirect didn’t work, someone signed for them with an illegible squiggle, RWC have cancelled the barcodes on the tickets and the tickets are now void. I just hope some unsuspecting person doesn’t buy them from whoever stole them. Whenever you buy tickets from someone without a licence to sell them you are talking a huge risk.

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    Mute RMcG
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    Aug 28th 2015, 4:46 PM

    *taking not talking obviously :)

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    Mute Fiona K
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    Aug 28th 2015, 6:25 PM

    Ticketmaster used to advise to do your ticket exchange at a Ticketmaster outlet and they would verify the authenticity of the tickets for you. Are they no longer offering that service? Also stop posting pictures of your tickets to social media as the barcodes can then be copied!

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    Mute Michael cunnane
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    Aug 28th 2015, 5:05 PM

    I’m looking forward to this year’s eccentric picnic..uh oh :-o

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    Mute John Joe
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    Aug 28th 2015, 4:03 PM

    I used to buy the tickets and give the touters the money when I got into the event, not much that can go wrong

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    Mute Mr N
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    Aug 28th 2015, 4:31 PM

    From your point of view no, but what if you don’t pay them?

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    Mute Ray Farrelly
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    Aug 28th 2015, 4:58 PM

    Well you won’t be getting a counterfeit beating.

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    Mute Paul Cooper
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    Aug 30th 2015, 4:51 AM

    Beware of fake acts

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    Mute Joe Haverty
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    Aug 29th 2015, 5:46 AM

    Gas, sure they’re in control of security features on their tickets, perhaps improve them!

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