Government Sues Live Nation Over ‘Triple Dipping’ Ticket Fees

A sweeping new federal lawsuit accuses Live Nation and Ticketmaster of helping scalpers snap up concert tickets en masse, reselling them for inflated prices—and pocketing fees at every step. The result: billions in consumer losses, according to the Federal Trade Commission and seven states.

In short, the government says the world’s biggest ticketing company rigged the system to maximize profits while pushing ordinary fans to the back of the line.

The Triple Dip, Explained

The FTC alleges Ticketmaster built a business model around “triple dipping”: collecting one fee when a broker buys a ticket, another when that ticket is listed on its own resale platform, and a third when the consumer finally purchases it—often at sky-high prices.

Far from cracking down on scalping, the complaint says Ticketmaster “turned a blind eye as a matter of policy” and gave brokers the tools to exploit the system. Internal emails revealed five brokers controlled more than 6,000 accounts and stockpiled nearly 250,000 tickets to over 2,500 events. Through its proprietary software, TradeDesk, Ticketmaster allegedly made it even easier for high-volume resellers to track and manage massive inventory.

Deception at Checkout

The FTC also slams Ticketmaster for what it calls “bait-and-switch” pricing. The platform advertised lower prices up front—only to tack on fees as high as 44% at the very end of checkout. Between 2019 and 2024, those hidden costs added up to $16.4 billion. Internal research showed consumers were more likely to abandon purchases if they saw full pricing up front, but the company opted to continue the practice anyway.

All of this, the FTC says, violates the FTC Act and the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act.

“Too Effective” to Use

Despite having access to more advanced fraud prevention tools, Ticketmaster allegedly declined to implement them. One such tool—third-party identity verification—was deemed “too effective” at stopping scalpers, because it risked cutting into Ticketmaster’s revenue.

The lawsuit also directly cites the President’s March 2025 executive order directing the FTC to protect consumers from unfair ticketing practices and enforce existing laws. “It should not cost an arm and a leg to take the family to a baseball game or concert,” said FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson. “Today’s lawsuit is a monumental step in that direction.”

Will Anything Change For Ticket Buyers?

The FTC is seeking civil penalties and other monetary relief, but even if the court rules in its favor, change won’t come overnight. A separate antitrust suit is still pending, and Live Nation hasn’t responded publicly to this newest legal threat. The real question is whether this marks the beginning of a reckoning in the live event industry or just another round of outrage with no long-term fix.

What You Can Do as a Fan

If you’re tired of feeling gouged when buying tickets, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Here’s how to push back:

1. Use Verified Fan Presales When Available
   Some artists use systems like Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan or artist-run lotteries to restrict access to real fans. While not perfect, these tools can help cut scalpers out of the equation.
2. Shop Around on Resale Sites
   Ticketmaster isn’t the only resale game in town. Platforms like SeatGeek, AXS, or even Reddit’s r/ticketexchange sometimes offer better deals with fewer fees. Always compare final checkout prices.
3. Demand Fee Transparency
   Support federal and state legislation that requires full pricing to be shown up front. Voice your concerns to lawmakers and vote for consumer protection ballot measures.
4. Report Suspicious Activity
   If you see tickets sell out in seconds or notice massive price swings, file a complaint with the FTC or your state attorney general. These patterns help build legal cases.
5. Support Independent Venues
   Many small and midsize venues sell directly through platforms they control or that aren’t tied to Live Nation. Buying tickets to local shows is often cheaper, more transparent—and helps keep the music scene alive.