Sarah B.

II bought some concert tickets on the 8th November for Rammstein in Oslo for the 18th of August 2019. I went to what I thought was the official bands website. I still have no idea how I ended up on the Viagogo website but it claimed to be an official ticket vendor for the concert, so I proceeded to book 4 tickets. Viagogo stated very clearly there were only 34 tickets left, and that 68 sections were sold out.

I found 4 tickets listed for approximately £250 and tried to purchase them. However, I was constantly interrupted and bombarded with messages from Viagogo to "Hurry Up", "Scarce Ticket" "Only Three Tickets Left" "You are booking one of the last available tickets for this event." "Demand - High" "3 minutes remaining" "These tickets will no longer be reserved in: 02:35" "Demand - High" "These tickets will no longer be reserved in: 01:21" "68 Section Sold Out" "44 other people are viewing Rammstein tickets" "Hurry Up! 2 other people are viewing this event?"

I saw a promise by Viagogo that tickets were "guaranteed"... so I went ahead and made the purchase. It was not clear until after I had paid for them, how much I had actually spent. I received an email stating the cost was Kr17,529 (approx £1500) not the £250 I was expecting. As I purchased my tickets in £, s this confused me. Moreover, the email stated the tickets wouldn't be sent to me until the week leading up to the event. This is a betrayal and their websites was designed to disorientate and "panic" the buyer into rushing the transaction. I immediately contacted Viagogo who confirmed that was the correct amount and all transactions were "final and refunds were not possible". I have spent a considerable amount of time on the phone, sending emails etc and the stress of losing that amount of money is just awful.

Later that day, I learned that the legitimate and authorized ticket agent for the event is actually Eventim, not Viagogo. I also learned that tickets were due to go on sale at 10:00am (I purchased mine at 9:30) so Why is Viagogo selling non existent tickets before the official release time and falsely claiming there were only 43 tickets left? This is outright deception by Viagogo.

I contacted the tour managers of Rammstein and they have confirmed that my tickets are "illegal" and I will not be allowed into the gig.

I contacted Viagogo with this information and they said "you must go to the concert, and if they refuse you entry, please get this in writing and we will then refund you the money".

The concert is in Oslo and I would have to risk flying from the UK with all the associated costs and I know that the tickets I have are "illegal". I am obviously not prepared to take this risk.

I contacted the bands managers again and they have sent me a letter confirming that my tickets are not valid which is stamped and verified.

I contacted Viagogo again and they have told me to "relist the tickets". So the only way of getting a "refund" from Viagogo is to FRAUDULENTLY relist my tickets (I know they are fake) to some other poor unsuspecting buyer. I am not prepared to do this for obvious reasons.

I have FORMALLY written to Viagogo asking them to clarify whether they are encouraging me to break the law! They simply replied their tickets were "guaranteed" and to relist them for sale on their platform. I know that the tickets they sold me are invalid and I have this in writing from the managers of Rammstein.

Viagogo facilitated the sale of these illegal tickets which I bought in good faith. I have informed them on a number of occasions that these tickets are ILLEGAL yet they are still trying to get me to re list them on the platform which is unethical.
· I have reported this to the Fraud Action Team here in the UK (Reference *****
I have spoken to no less than 10 different people regarding my issues at Viagogo and been able to supply them with written documentation that the tickets will not be valid. The links they provided me with on their websites are "undergoing maintenance" and after a 20 Minute "battle" on the phone, they finally provided me with an email address to send my information. I have still not received a reply.

I have read countless stories over the past week of people in distress,
Unable to sleep, and they are feeling desperate by the actions of Viagogo. In fact, I wasn't able to sleep after my experience with Viagogo, and have been experiencing severe anxiety.

I have learned that FIFA filed a criminal complaint, that France launched an injunction against Viagogo, and the United Kingdom is investigating and demanding changes from Viagogo, all to no avail

I've learned that Viagogo sold fake Bruno Mars, Spice Girls Michelle Obama tickets and invalid Ed Sheehan tickets recently, and that a number event organizers are refusing entry to people who buy tickets from Viagogo. Yet Viagogo pushes on to take advantage of more and more people, giving no thought to ethics, social responsibility, decently, but only to greed and profits.
I made approximately 6 phone calls to Lloyds asking them to hold or decline the payment, as I was so concerned about the money (a months salary) however I was told it was not "fraud" and I would have to issue a charge back. My payment cleared and I have lost the money
Viagogo have lied every step of the way when I was trying to buy a concert ticket, pretending if I didn't buy right now, there would not be a chance - when tickets hadn't even gone on sale.

Viagogo is a nightmare, is causing stress and anxiety and has caused financial hardship for 1000s of people. A simple internet search will confirm what I am telling you is fact.

I ask you to please review Viagogo business practices and the thousands of complaints, stories of abuse, deception and fraud from all over the world. Please read the stories of the Victims of Viagogo.

I have spent a considerable amount of time fighting this and highlighting the distress caused to 1000s of people by this unscrupulous company.
I have had personal messages from all
Over the world asking for my help and this company still continues to operate. They are still adverting Rammstein tickets on their platform despite a German court order.
Claire Turnham who set up the Victims of Viagogo support group received an MBE this year based on her amazing support for the 1000s of people scammed and each day this group has new members joining.
I feel passionately that this vile company needs to be shut down and will continue supporting victims as
Much as I can.
I have been supported by Sarah Newton (MP) and Margot James (Digital & The Creative Industries) Minister who have been great in responding to me personally.
Buying a music ticket shouldn't make you feel this devastated and desperate.