Man, this feels like a scam: watch for Twain ticket fraud

If you’re hoping to see Shania Twain in Saskatoon next year – don’t let scammers getcha good.

Tickets for the show go on general sale Friday and fans are already being warned of possible fraudsters and scalpers.

The Consumer Protection Division of the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) said the risk is with fake or overpriced tickets listed by resellers.

The FCAA recommends the best way to ensure paying a fair price – for a real ticket – is to buy only from a primary seller, typically Ticketmaster.

Fans are warned that third-party resellers profit by using automated bots to quickly scoop up large quantities of tickets – only to sell them for far more than face value. The FCAA said buying from scalpers worsens the problem.

Two red flags to look for are tickets listed without specific seat numbers and any listed in U.S. dollar amounts for a Canadian show.

Shania Twain plays SaskTel Centre on May 12, 2018.

How to protect yourself

When buying from a resale site, fans are urged to buy with a credit card instead of cash or debit, since credit card protections could recoup money in the case of fraud.

It’s important to read the terms and conditions on the card to know what protections are available.

The FCAA also reminds people it’s illegal for a reseller to sell, advertise or list for sale any tickets to an event in Saskatchewan unless the tickets are in the person’s possession or control.

It’s also illegal for the reseller to do any of the above with any ticket until at least 48 hours after the seats are made available to the general public.

People are encouraged to report if they see a reseller breaking these rules, or have a complaint, by contacting the Consumer Protection Division toll-free at 1-877-880-5550 or by email at consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca.