Illicit Ticket Brokers Attempting to Acquire Tickets through Automated Means
In Germany, the issue of ticket scalping has been a significant concern, particularly in high-demand events such as concerts, festivals, and sporting matches. Ticket scalping, where individuals buy large quantities of tickets and resell them at inflated prices, often leaves genuine fans struggling to purchase tickets at face value.
CTS Eventim, a leading ticketing company in Germany, has taken steps to combat scalping on their official resale platform, Fansale. This platform, which has been in operation since 2007, allows ticket holders to resell their tickets securely at face value or a capped price. This measure effectively limits the profits scalpers can make.
To prevent automated bot purchases and fraudulent activities, Eventim uses verification and anti-bot technology. This technology helps in detecting and blocking bulk buying by scalpers, thereby maintaining fairness in ticket distribution.
Some tickets sold on Fansale may include personalized data, such as name matching ID, to prevent transferability outside official channels. Additionally, Fansale may impose limits on resale prices to keep tickets affordable and discourage inflated secondary market prices.
In a statement, Eventim CEO Klaus-Peter Schulenberg acknowledged the prevalence of usury, abuse, and fraud on unauthorized secondary market platforms. He reported millions of bot requests during major ticket onsales, particularly at events featuring prominent artists like Ed Sheeran.
Despite the challenges posed by ticket scalping, Eventim continues to invest in maintaining fairness in ticket distribution. The company organizes concerts itself and operates venues like the Waldbühne in Berlin. They also sell tickets for a wide range of events, including concerts, theater performances, and sporting events.
Last year, Eventim temporarily suspended the resale of Taylor Swift tickets following a cyberattack. However, a low double-digit number of unauthorized resales were reversed, demonstrating the company's commitment to combating scalping.
It's worth noting that private resale of tickets is generally allowed in Germany. However, the scale of ticket scalping remains unknown. Ticket touts, who attempt to resell tickets on unauthorized secondary markets at high prices, are prevalent at major events. They often use computer programs to obtain tickets en masse.
CTS Eventim, the world's second-largest ticket provider, is listed on the stock exchange. Despite the challenges, the company continues to innovate, organizing events and operating platforms like Fansale to ensure fair ticket distribution for all. For the most current and detailed information, CTS Eventim’s official communications or German consumer protection updates would be the most authoritative sources.
The following actions taken by CTS Eventim, a leading German ticketing company, demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity in technology: they use verification and anti-bot technology to prevent automated bot purchases and fraudulent activities on Fansale, their official ticket resale platform. Additionally, Eventim continues to innovate in the realm of entertainment and sports by organizing events, operating venues, and platforms that promote fair ticket distribution.
