Rugby fans have been warned of the dangers of buying match tickets for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup in France from unofficial online ticket agents.
The European Consumer Centre (ECC) says it has received an increase in complaints about such agents who resell event tickets, usually well above face value.
In 45 per cent of cases reported to the ECC, no tickets were delivered while, in another 30 per cent of cases, the wrong tickets were sent, for different seats or even different events.
Where events are cancelled, refunds can generally not be obtained from resellers and complaints are not entertained by the seller, the ECC advises.
"While problems do not arise with all unofficial agents, fans should be extremely careful if they choose to make their ticket purchases via these channels," says Tina Leonard of the ECC's Dublin office.
"Fans should also bear in mind that official Rugby World Cup tickets will be personalised with a name and a code as added security measures. If you buy from unofficial sources, you run the risk of being denied entry to this event."
The ECC says fans should purchase tickets for an event only through the official ticket agent. This information is available through the official event website. The terms and conditions of sale should always be carefully checked, particularly with regard to refund in the event of cancellation.
Online ticket agents are charging more than €800 for tickets to Ireland's clash with France in the world cup next month.
Tickets for the final in October cost up to €2,275.
