• ​Coldplay fans urged to be on high alert for ticket scalpers and scammers
• Holders of inflated tickets may be at risk of being refused entry at Optus Stadium
• Report tickets being sold for more than a 10 per cent mark-up to Consumer Protection

The McGowan Government is warning Coldplay fans to be on high alert for ticket scalpers and scammers ahead of pre-sale tickets going on sale tomorrow, Monday, May 15, and general public tickets on Tuesday, May 16.

Coldplay's Australian exclusive one-off show at Optus Stadium will take place on November 18, and is the British band's first show in Western Australia since 2009.

This major tourism coup and highly anticipated event is expected to bring thousands of visitors to WA and sell out quickly, which will attract ticket scalpers and scammers looking to exploit fans.

It is illegal for tickets to WA events to be sold for more than 10 per cent over the original ticket price when a resale restriction applies.

Resellers must include the original ticket cost (including booking fees) and details of the section/bay, row, and seat number in any advertisements.

Fines range from $2000 infringement notices to $20,000 for individuals or companies, including unauthorised ticket reselling platforms and classified websites publishing prohibited advertisements, if the matter goes to court.

Even higher penalties of $100,000 can apply to those using 'bots' to purchase bulk tickets, which is also illegal in WA.

Five $2000 infringement notices under WA's ticket scalping laws have already been issued to scalpers selling inflated tickets to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC 284) event at Perth's RAC Arena earlier this year, with illegal mark-ups ranging from 24 to 430 per cent.

The Government urges the public to only buy tickets from Ticketmaster, the authorised ticket agent for this event.

If you miss out on tickets, it is encouraged to buy resale tickets from Ticketmaster's Fan-to-Fan resale page to avoid potentially being scammed or purchasing scalped or fake tickets.

Any tickets transferred or resold on Ticketmaster's Fan-to-Fan resale page are verified by Ticketmaster and re-issued in the buyer's name.

It is recommended to avoid buying tickets from unauthorised ticket reselling platforms and classified websites like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.

There is a risk that ticket holders will be turned away at the door if the ticket is invalid or fake, and could potentially be left out of pocket. 

Western Australians are urged to stop ticket scalpers and scammers in their tracks.

If the public spots an individual or company selling tickets for more than 10 per cent, report them to Consumer Protection for investigation by emailing consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

Pre-sale of tickets will commence at 10am AWST tomorrow, May 15, running until 9am AWST on May 16.

General public tickets go on sale at 10am AWST on May 16 at http://www.livenation.com.au and https://www.coldplay.com/tour.

Comments attributed to Commerce Minister Sue Ellery:

"If individuals purchase a ticket from an unauthorised source that doesn't comply with the laws, contact the supplier or individual seller and seek a refund.

"If you suspect you have been scammed, lodge a chargeback request with your bank.

"The massive mark-ups we have seen in some of these UFC 284 cases is not only illegal but immoral, as they are clearly exploiting WA consumers who are desperate to attend popular events that are sold out.

"Individuals who look at making a quick buck by re-selling tickets at high prices are at risk of losing that profit and more after paying an infringement notice, or receiving higher penalties if they face court."

 Minister's office: 6552 5700