Additionally, it is illegal to sell tickets that were obtained in violation of the BOTS Act. The FTC and State Attorneys General have authority to enforce the law, which applies to public concerts, theater performances, sporting events, and similar events at venues with a seating capacity of over 200. Congress enacted the law in 2016.
In a statement, FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Andrew Smith, said, “These ticket brokers used bots and other technical tricks to scoop up thousands of tickets to popular events as soon as they went on sale. Not only does this deprive loyal fans of the chance to see their favorite performers and shows; it is against the law.”
FTC’s proposed orders and judgments against the accused ticket brokers
The Commission’s proposed orders and judgments against the defendants for civil penalties are as follows:
- $16 million against Concert Specials, Inc. and Steven Ebrani, which is partially suspended due to an inability to pay. They will pay $1,565,527.41.
- $11.2 million against Just In Time Tickets, Inc. and Evan Kohanian, which is partially suspended due to an inability to pay. They will pay $1,642,658.96.
- $4.4 million against Cartisim Corp. and Simon Ebrani, which is partially suspended due to an inability to pay. They will pay $499,147.12.
The proposed orders prohibit the accused ticket brokers from further violations of the BOTS Act including using software to circumvent ticket limits, using false identities to purchase tickets, or using any bots to facilitate ticket purchases.
