Look out for ticket scalping this AFL Grand Final

The AFL Grand Final is far more than a football match. It's one of Australia's great sporting events, bringing thousands of fans to the mighty MCG, drawing millions of viewers around the country, and showcasing Melbourne and Victoria to a national audience.

However, fans should be aware of the risks of purchasing resale tickets, including ticket scalpers and scammers if you're planning on purchasing tickets to the showdown between the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions on Saturday 26 September.

The AFL Grand Final is a major event under the Major Events Act 2009, so ticket purchasers are protected from inflated resale prices.

This means that it’s an offence to resell tickets for more than 10% above their original value, helping ensure fans get a fair shot at seeing the action live at the MCG.

What do I look out for?

• Tickets advertised before the official sale date.
• Prices more than 10% above face value.
• Sellers asking for cash, bank transfer or PayID.
• Be extra careful when buying through social media or unofficial sellers.

Under the Major Events Act, advertisements for the resale of tickets to major events must include the:

• original ticket price
• intended resale price
• seating location details, if available.

If the ticket is being resold as part of an event package:

• it must be authorised by the event organiser
• the advertisement must include the seller’s name, their ABN or ACN, and a statement confirming authorisation by the event organiser.

Ticket resellers found to be in breach of the Act may face penalties ranging from $1,018 to $610,530 depending on the seriousness and nature of the offence.

What are the warning signs?

• Tickets that are advertised for sale prior to the date they officially go on sale to the public.
• Sellers that are using unusual payment methods such as cash-only, direct bank transfers and PayID.

These tickets may be counterfeit or invalid and may not provide entry into the venue. There is also the risk that the ticket the buyer receives is different from what they paid for, or that a ticket may not arrive at all.

Buyers should also be aware that they may not have the same protections when purchasing tickets from a reseller as they would from an official seller even when a resale ticket is legitimate.

Give ticket scalpers the final siren. Know your rights and report offenders, visit Ticket Scalping on our website.