Understanding the Alleged Online Ticket Scam Targeting Hill Auditorium
The University of Michigan's Hill Auditorium has recently become a focal point in an alleged online ticket resale scheme, drawing attention from the Michigan Attorney General’s office. The investigation centers around a company named Pure Tonic Marketing Ltd., which is believed to be based in Seychelles, and an unknown operator associated with the website Ticket Squeeze. According to prosecutors, these entities are accused of running a deceptive online operation that mimics the official website of the university's venue.
The alleged scam involved the website thehillauditorium.com, which appeared to be affiliated with the university but was not officially connected. This site advertised tickets for events at Hill Auditorium and redirected users to ticketsqueeze.com, where the tickets were sold at significantly higher prices than those available on legitimate platforms. The scheme exploited customers who believed they were purchasing tickets through a trusted source.
A Major Incident Involving High-Price Tickets
One specific case highlighted by officials involved a customer who paid $1,263.95 for two tickets to a Berlin Philharmonic concert through the fraudulent website. In contrast, the same tickets were available for $175 each on the official University Musical Society website. This incident underscores the financial harm consumers can face when falling victim to such scams.
The University Musical Society, a nonprofit organization that hosts performances at Hill Auditorium and sells tickets through its official site, was the first to report the issue to the Attorney General’s office. The society has long been concerned about the impact of ticket resellers who purchase tickets solely to profit from unsuspecting customers.
Broader Implications for Consumers and Nonprofits
Sara Billmann, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the University Musical Society, emphasized the broader consequences of such practices. She noted that while consumers suffer directly from high prices and fees, nonprofit arts organizations also face significant challenges. These include financial losses and damage to their reputations due to the actions of unscrupulous resellers.
Billmann expressed gratitude for the Attorney General’s office taking the complaints seriously and working to protect consumers from similar exploitation in the future. The office has already taken steps to address the issue, including winning a domain dispute against Pure Tonic in 2024, which forced thehillauditorium.com to redirect to the University Musical Society’s official site.
However, the problem persists as another website has emerged and is allegedly engaging in similar activities.
Tips for Consumers to Avoid Ticket Scams
To help prevent falling victim to similar schemes, the Michigan Attorney General’s office offers several recommendations for consumers:
Know the Vendor:
Consumers should ensure they are purchasing tickets from a reputable website. Be cautious of websites that have addresses similar to legitimate ones, as these could be "spoof" sites designed to deceive.
Conduct Research:
If unfamiliar with a ticket vendor, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at 877-765-8388 to check for any complaints. Keep in mind that the absence of complaints does not guarantee a seller’s legitimacy.
Use Credit:
When buying tickets online, especially through auction sites, it is advisable to use a credit card. This often provides additional consumer protections compared to using cash, checks, or digital payment apps like Venmo or Cash App.
Shop Securely:
Look for websites that start with “https,” indicating a secure connection. A closed lock icon at the bottom of the screen is another sign of a secure site.
Reporting Suspected Scams
If you believe you have been a victim of an online ticket scam, you are encouraged to contact Michigan’s Consumer Protection Team at 517-335-7599. You can also submit an online complaint form to report the incident. Taking these steps can help prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes and support ongoing efforts to protect consumers.