International sweep exposes problem websites
The results from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) International Internet Sweep this year, has revealed a growing problem with online ticketing websites, highlighting the need for continued consumer vigilance, ACCC deputy chair Peter Kell has warned.
The Internet Sweep is coordinated by the ACCC as part of its work within the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), a network of consumer protection law enforcement authorities from more than 40 countries.
During the Sweep, Australian consumer protection agencies reviewed more than 1,400 websites and flagged more than 400 for further analysis, said Kell.
“In this year’s Sweep, the ACCC identified an unauthorised site offering tickets for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa at www.worldcupticketing.com. The ACCC is working with FIFA and MATCH Services to protect Australian consumers from such sites. MATCH Services is FIFA’s agent for FIFA World Cup ticketing and looks after the ticketing enforcement program.
“The only way consumers can buy a ticket is through the FIFA ticket allocation or from a licensed tour operator authorised to sell tickets on FIFA’s behalf as part of a travel package,” Mr Kell said.
Kell said that online ticketing sites have opened up a new avenue for fraudsters and that consumers need to be wary of such sites.
“The Sweep also highlights the need for consumers to be careful online, especially when providing payment or personal information.
“While the internet offers great opportunities for communication and gives access to a wider range of goods and services, it also provides extensive opportunities for scammers to target consumers,” he said.
The results from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) International Internet Sweep has revealed a growing problem with online ticketing websites, highlighting the need for continued consumer vigilance, ACCC deputy chair Peter Kell has warned.
The Internet Sweep is coordinated by the ACCC as part of its work within the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), a network of consumer protection law enforcement authorities from more than 40 countries.
During the Sweep, Australian consumer protection agencies reviewed more than 1,400 websites and flagged more than 400 for further analysis, said Kell.
“In this year’s Sweep, the ACCC identified an unauthorised site offering tickets for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa at www.worldcupticketing.com. The ACCC is working with FIFA and MATCH Services to protect Australian consumers from such sites.
“The only way consumers can buy a ticket is through the FIFA ticket allocation or from a licensed tour operator authorised to sell tickets on FIFA’s behalf as part of a travel package,” Mr Kell said.
Kell said that online ticketing sites have opened up a new avenue for fraudsters and that consumers need to be wary of such sites.
“The Sweep also highlights the need for consumers to be careful online, especially when providing payment or personal information.
“While the internet offers great opportunities for communication and gives access to a wider range of goods and services, it also provides extensive opportunities for scammers to target consumers,” he said.
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