Hank Investigates: Ticket Prices

Ticket Buyer
"I think its absolutely unfair."

This fan's ticket says $29.50 so how could she be charged twice that much?

Ticket Buyer
"All of the concerts are that way."

Our investigation found that's true for every hot concert and major sports event, consistent price gouging for desirable tickets. Ticket brokers raking in illegal profits from fans forced to pay exorbitant prices.

Ticket Buyer
"I think its a rip off."

Massachusetts law is clear, to prevent price gouging, state-licensed ticket brokers may resell tickets, but for only $2.00 over the face value. They may also certain service charges like messenger's postage and phone calls. The Department of Public Safety under, acting Commissioner Joseph Lalli, is required to enforce that law.

Hank Phillippi Ryan "Isn't it true that ticket brokers are getting away with charging illegally high prices every day?"

Joseph Lalli, Acting Commissioner Dept of Public Safety
"I would say no. I do not think they are getting away with it."

But we found the law broken time after time! We bought buying Jimmy Buffett tickets at the box office, Row V seats 3 and 4, the price marked is: $58.75. Our 7News producer is now taking them to a local broker to sell for just over face value. Perfectly legal. Soon after another one of our producers buys exactly the same tickets back! There were no messenger's, postage, or phone costs our receipt proves broker upped the price to $175 per ticket!

Hank Phillippi Ryan "Can that possibly be legal?"

Joseph Lalli
"Under the circumstances you just told me, no. That would clearly be an illegal act, correct."

The price gouging is as frustrating for the performers as it is the fans artists get no benefit from the brokers' markups and they know their fans are enraged.

Jeff Dorenfeld, Former Boston Manager
"It's outrageous."

Jeff Dorenfeld managed the band Boston for years he thinks ticket brokers' prices are unconscionable.

Jeff Dorenfeld
"They definitely do not represent the artist who is performing. They are just there to make money for themselves."

Box office worker:
"Sold out, sold out."

As a result, when disappointed fans who have waited in ticket lines hear the box office is sold out they know only the high-priced brokers have tickets available.

Ticket Buyer
"It's gouging, its truly gouging the public."

For instance, we bought tickets for NSYNC at the box office, all face value 55 dollars. Our producer sold one to a local broker and minutes later, the receipt proves we bought the exact same ticket back for $100! We sold two more of our $55 tickets to another broker, this time it cost us $150 each to buy them back!

Hank Phillippi Ryan "So that would be completely illegal."

Joseph Lalli
"That's correct."

Not one ticket broker we called would talk about their prices on camera.

Hank Phillippi Ryan "How could you charge that much money?"

They did say that's the only way to make a profit.

Hank Phillippi Ryan "Aren't you afraid someone from the state will come and close you down? No?"

Six years ago an Attorney General's report found ticket price gouging all over the state, prices more than double what was legal! George Weber headed the investigation.

George Weber
"The law is being flagrantly ignored."

The report called for major reforms, including increasing criminal penalties, but nothing was done.

George Weber
"People are being gouged. It was happening in 94 and its happening now."

Hank Phillippi Ryan "Why can't you stop this from happening?"

DPS officials claim they are cracking down on some brokers though they refused to release details.

Joseph Lalli
"We feel we're doing the best possible job we can."

But still we found price gouging for any sold out event and the bottom line is you'll wind up paying too much for tickets.

Hank Phillippi Ryan "Does it worry you that ticket brokers are not afraid of you?"

Joseph Lalli
"Maybe after today's interview, and after we look into this complaint, maybe they'll feel a little different, I know they will."

To file a complaint about a ticket broker, call The Department of Public Safety at 617-727-3200 and ask for The Special Licensing Division.

You may remain anonymous but you will be asked the following information:

Name of the Ticket Broker and the salesperson.
Location of the agency.
Date and time you bought the ticket(s).
The name of the concert, game or event.
The amount you paid for the ticket and the actual face value of the ticket.
You may be asked to send or bring in any reciepts or documentation you have of the transaction.