Ticketmaster Hit with $6M Settlement for Deceptive Ticket Pricing

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ticketmaster class-action settlement

Ticketmaster Ordered to Pay $6 Million: Are You Eligible for a Refund?

Ticketmaster has agreed to a $6 million class-action settlement in Canada after being accused of deceptive pricing tactics in 2018.

The lawsuit, led by plaintiff Crystal Watch, claimed that Ticketmaster misled customers by adding hidden fees during the checkout process.

Although Ticketmaster denied any wrongdoing, the company chose to settle rather than go to trial. Around 1 million Canadians who purchased tickets between January 1 and June 30, 2018, will be eligible for compensation.

What’s the Compensation?

Eligible Ticketmaster users will receive up to $45 in credit for future ticket purchases. The credit:

  • Can be transferred to others
  • Can only be used once
  • Will be distributed through email notifications

The lead plaintiff, Crystal Watch, also received a $25,000 honorarium as part of the settlement.

Why This Matters

This lawsuit targeted drip pricing, a controversial tactic where companies advertise a lower base price but later add hidden fees. The lawsuit argued this practice violated The Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act, leading to the class-action filing.

Who’s Eligible?

If you purchased tickets through Ticketmaster for Canadian events during the eligibility period, you should receive an email from Ticketmaster soon with details on how to claim your credit.

Not eligible:

  • Customers in Quebec
  • Ticketmaster employees

How Much Are Lawyers Taking?

Out of the $6 million settlement, $1.725 million will go to lawyers’ fees, leaving $4.3 million available for affected customers.

What’s Next for Ticketmaster?

While this isn’t the first lawsuit against Ticketmaster, it sets a precedent for companies engaging in deceptive pricing. This case proves that businesses need to be more transparent, especially when handling online transactions.

How to Claim Your Compensation

If you’re eligible but don’t receive your email credit, you can contact the law firm representing the plaintiffs. The credit will be automatically applied to your Ticketmaster account.

Final Thoughts

While the settlement isn’t massive, it’s a win for Canadian consumers demanding fair pricing. If you bought a ticket in 2018, check your email—you might have free money waiting.

 

Akshay Bhanawat

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