Ticketmaster Settles $6M Class Action Over Hidden Fees – How to Claim Your Compensation

Ticketmaster Settles $6M Class Action Over Hidden Fees – How to Claim Your Compensation

Canadian residents who bought tickets on Ticketmaster between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2018, may now claim credits as part of a $6-million class action settlement. The lawsuit alleged that Ticketmaster engaged in “drip pricing,” a practice where customers are initially shown a lower price before mandatory fees are added, sometimes increasing the total cost by more than 65%.

The Court of King’s Bench for Saskatchewan recently approved the settlement, marking the resolution of a legal battle that began in 2018. The case was initiated by lead plaintiff Crystal Watch, who played a key role in pushing the litigation forward.

Background of the Lawsuit

In 2018, Canada’s Competition Bureau sued Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., over allegations of misleading pricing tactics. The lawsuit claimed that Ticketmaster’s advertised prices often did not reflect the full cost of tickets due to hidden fees and surcharges. As a result, consumers frequently paid significantly more than initially expected.

In 2019, Ticketmaster and related companies agreed to pay a $4-million penalty and committed to ensuring their advertising complied with Canadian regulations. The class action lawsuit, pursued separately, has now resulted in a $6-million settlement for affected customers.

Who Is Eligible to File a Claim?

To qualify for compensation, individuals must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Canadian resident (excluding Quebec residents).
  • Have purchased a ticket on Ticketmaster between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2018.
  • The ticket must have been for an event taking place in Canada.

What Compensation Is Available?

Eligible customers can receive a Ticketmaster credit voucher valued at up to $45. The key details regarding these vouchers include:

  • They are transferable but can only be used once.
  • They can be applied toward primary-sale tickets, parking, and VIP packages for events in Canada and the United States.
  • They cannot be used for Major League Baseball tickets or any resale tickets.
  • They have no expiry date and cannot be converted into cash.

How to Submit a Claim

Eligible customers will be contacted by the claims administrator via the email address they provided to Ticketmaster at the time of purchase. The email will include:

  • A notification that the settlement has been approved.
  • A claim deadline.
  • A hyperlink to submit a request for a redeemable credit voucher.

Failure to submit a claim by the provided deadline will result in forfeiture of the credit.

The Role of the Lead Plaintiff

Crystal Watch, the representative plaintiff, played a crucial role in bringing this lawsuit to completion. Due to her significant efforts, the court approved an honorarium of $25,000 to recognize her active participation in the litigation process.

Conclusion

This settlement marks an important step toward consumer protection in Canada, ensuring greater transparency in ticket pricing. If you purchased a ticket on Ticketmaster during the specified period, check your email and submit a claim before the deadline to receive your compensation.

 

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