SOS Masterticket - HELP!

[Faelfain]

So is http://www.vfestival.net/ belonging to the same scumbag, or am I well wrong?

[mikeb]

Well ... the server is based in Hungary, the site claims to be "the premier V Festival V2009 Ticket Site where official tickets for this year's festival are never sold out!" and it most certainly isn't one of the official sources. Looking at the Ts&Cs, it all looks very familiar and very reminiscent of certain other very well known dodgy sites that I've seen in the past - getmetickets - WILL RIP YOU OFF - WILL RIP YOU OFF - WILL RIP YOU OFF - WILL RIP YOU OFF - WILL RIP YOU OFF - WILL RIP YOU OFF - WILL RIP YOU OFF - WILL RIP YOU OFF - WILL RIP YOU OFF.com springs immediately to mind in fact going solely by the wording used so I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if it's another reincarnation of them particularly so because their last attempt went all t*ts up a few months ago and has now disappeared. The listed contact address is also a cosmetic surgeons, a website design company and a chauffeur driven limo outfit (amongst other things) in Harley Street, London. So apart from anything else, whoever it is apparently has ready access to web design for the shiny new site, c*ck enhancement surgery so they can shaft you better and for longer plus a limo to escape in style along with your do$h Whether it's the same scumbugs or not is pretty irrelevant, I wouldn't touch it with someone elses

But sadly of course, the site does look the biz and have an official-looking feel to it as well so I've no doubt more than a few peeps will have been sucked in if/when it does indeed turn out to be a scam of some sort. It absolutely has to be dodgy at best and a complete rip-off at worst. It's a nightmare just waiting to happen I reckon Just don't go there.

If anyone has a suitable contact with the V Festival organisers then I would report it to them for investigation as the site is clearly taking advantage of the festival's name etc. so they may well be prepared to do something about it before sh*t happens.

Edited August 20, 2008 by mikeb

[Spiderden]

I'm really sorry to hear what's happened to you guys, it sucks big time.

I've got a couple of tips to help prevent being scammed by websites in future.

You can check the details of a domain using a site such as http://whois.domaintools.com/sosmasterticket.com

One of the things to look for is the creation date.

Created: 2008-04-04

Expires: 2010-04-04

This site was created earlier this year just before the beginning of the festival season (That should ring alarm bells for starters). They also purchased the domain for only two years which is the minimum, when they could have secured it for up to 10 years, which indicates they weren't planning to use it long term (note that NOMINET domains e.g. .co.uk, can only be purchased for 2 years at a time).

Some scammers will purchase a domain several years in advance to give the appearance of an older site. This can easily be checked using the Wayback Machine Internet Archive. It only records the history after six months, so won't work with the SOS site yet, but I can show how it works on efests

http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.efestivals.co.uk

(for a bit of fun, have a look at Google, Amazon & YouTube)

As you can see, it has a history of each website, so you can check to see if it's been live for long and if it has, you can see what they've been doing in that time.

Based on the information above, I wouldn't have given SOS my money.

These techniques are far from foolproof, but they do give you a bit of background information to help you make an informed decision whether to do business with them or not.

Sorry non of this will help anyone who has been scammed by these guys, but hopefully someone will find it useful in the future.

I don't want to panic anyone, but how did the payment processor work? Did it send you offsite to complete the payment details with a bank/reputable payment processor? Or did you fill out the card details within the website? If it's the later, then there's a chance these guys have your card details including the three digit security code on the back of the card. If you were sent offsite, then you should be ok.

BTW The BBC story is now online http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7570516.stm

Edited August 20, 2008 by Spiderden

[wonderwomanUK]

I'm really sorry to hear what's happened to you guys, it sucks big time.

I've got a couple of tips to help prevent being scammed by websites in future.

You can check the details of a domain using a site such as http://whois.domaintools.com/sosmasterticket.com

One of the things to look for is the creation date.

Created: 2008-04-04

Expires: 2010-04-04

This site was created earlier this year just before the beginning of the festival season (That should ring alarm bells for starters). They also purchased the domain for only two years which is the minimum, when they could have secured it for up to 10 years, which indicates they weren't planning to use it long term (note that NOMINET domains e.g. .co.uk, can only be purchased for 2 years at a time).

Some scammers will purchase a domain several years in advance to give the appearance of an older site. This can easily be checked using the Wayback Machine Internet Archive. It only records the history after six months, so won't work with the SOS site yet, but I can show how it works on efests

http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.efestivals.co.uk

(for a bit of fun, have a look at Google, Amazon & YouTube)

As you can see, it has a history of each website, so you can check to see if it's been live for long and if it has, you can see what they've been doing in that time.

Based on the information above, I wouldn't have given SOS my money.

These techniques are far from foolproof, but they do give you a bit of background information to help you make an informed decision whether to do business with them or not.

Sorry non of this will help anyone who has been scammed by these guys, but hopefully someone will find it useful in the future.

I don't want to panic anyone, but how did the payment processor work? Did it send you offsite to complete the payment details with a bank/reputable payment processor? Or did you fill out the card details within the website? If it's the later, then there's a chance these guys have your card details including the three digit security code on the back of the card. If you were sent offsite, then you should be ok.

BTW The BBC story is now online http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7570516.stm

[Andynet]

It is first time and last time I have been victim to a ticket scam and can say that Ive learnt a massive lesson. Some of you vetran - festival goers say that this happens every year. This year its seams to have happened on a massive scale - does it happen so "big" like this each year? if so, you really would have though something would have been done about it by now.

Great to see that its finally made the news bringing awareness.. oh and I got a mention! I think its cos I used the word "chap" instead of c*** or scumbucket!! LOL

[gizak]

Well don't I just feel like a total idiot. This is the first time I have used a site like this and it looks like I have been totally scammed. I am so angry. I bought 2 Saturday tickets for Reading and I emailed a few times to say when were they coming. They first of all said 2-3 weeks before then they said Monday or Tuesday of this week. Now I can't get any answer from the phone, they aren't replying to my emails and their website is conveniently broken..I would imagine because they have scammed so many people for Readng and Leeds this weekend. I doubt I will get my money back by the sounds of it. Can't afford to lose £200 either.

[Eastlands70]

It is first time and last time I have been victim to a ticket scam and can say that Ive learnt a massive lesson. Some of you vetran - festival goers say that this happens every year. This year its seams to have happened on a massive scale - does it happen so "big" like this each year? if so, you really would have though something would have been done about it by now.

Great to see that its finally made the news bringing awareness.. oh and I got a mention! I think its cos I used the word "chap" instead of c*** or scumbucket!! LOL

[bear58]

WARNING dont go anywhere near xclusive tickets or online tickets .com they have scammed thousands me included,daily mirror did report on them the bastard has gone to the bahamas on our money.credit card company need so much info which is basically impossible now all websites regarding xclusive have disapeared for me to get money back. ive learnt by my mistake but im almost sure xclusive ticktets was on a official v festival web site.been done for 260 quid and didnt see festival ,,im so peed off

[ohwhataday]

The registered address I found for the company is:

SOS MASTER TICKETS LIMITED 2ND FLOOR 145-157 ST JOHNS STREET LONDON

The number was 0207 978 0136, not that that works any more.

The police advised me to call Camden Council trading standards on 020 7974 6924

Edited August 20, 2008 by ohwhataday

[wonderwomanUK]

The following website has the same address.

REGISTERED ADDRESS: 145-147 St. Johns Street, London EC1V 4PY

http://www.tinaturnertickets.net/contact_us.html

http://www.tinaturnertickets.net/contact_us.html

is it the same company?

I thought tinaturnertickets.net was a Michael Rangos company as the site is hosted in Hungary.

Why do both companies have the same address?

[mikeb]

This is somewhat OT for the thread but those asking about the scale or regularity of problems like this and questioning how the b*ggers manage to keep getting away with it might like to have a quicky read of this article from The Guardian earlier this year.

Despite operations being repeatedly shut down, this particular scumbag has had a shiny new company with a shiny new site up and running almost within hours of any action being taken. The kinda figures bandied about in the article and elsewhere are quite staggering and run into £Millions. You can be as close to absolutely certain as it's possible to be without his confirmation that he's still operating somewhere ripping peeps off. I would put (a fairly large sum of) money on him being behind some of the various other scumbag sites already mentioned in this thread in addition to the site quoted in the above article. Of course, he's by no means the only one out there. There's plenty of wannabee's ready and waiting to relieve you of your do$h as well.

It's a complete minefield even for those wary enough to check things out as best they can before parting with money. For those naively thinking that a ticket agency is just a ticket agency and they're all about the same, it's a nightmare waiting to happen. What's dodgy but seems OK(ish) today may well not even be there tomorrow let alone by this time next year or some other relatively long time in the future.

The only safe bet is using the official authorised agencies as quoted by the event organisers and believing the sold out signs when they appear ... but keep checking cos they often 'lie' and official tickets do often mysteriously appear after all hope has apparently gone Doing absolutely anything else is dodgy - varying from dodgy and probably expensive but successful to a dodgy and very expensive con job. Always use a credit card, always do some homework, and if you really must go the dodgy route then understand that problems can and do happen. There are no guarantees when buying tickets through unofficial sources other than the one which effectively says that you WILL pay for them whether they're genuine or fake, whether they turn up or not and whether they get you in or leave you standing outside feeling very silly and very p*ssed off.

Edited August 21, 2008 by mikeb

[wonderwomanUK]

This is somewhat OT for the thread but those asking about the scale or regularity of problems like this and questioning how the b*ggers manage to keep getting away with it might like to have a quicky read of this article from The Guardian earlier this year.

Despite operations being repeatedly shut down, this particular scumbag has had a shiny new company with a shiny new site up and running almost within hours of any action being taken. The kinda figures bandied about in the article and elsewhere are quite staggering and run into £Millions. You can be as close to absolutely certain as it's possible to be without his confirmation that he's still operating somewhere ripping peeps off. I would put (a fairly large sum of) money on him being behind some of the various other scumbag sites already mentioned in this thread in addition to the site quoted in the above article. Of course, he's by no means the only one out there. There's plenty of wannabee's ready and waiting to relieve you of your do$h as well.

It's a complete minefield even for those wary enough to check things out as best they can before parting with money. For those naively thinking that a ticket agency is just a ticket agency and they're all about the same, it's a nightmare waiting to happen. What's dodgy but seems OK(ish) today may well not even be there tomorrow let alone by this time next year or some other relatively long time in the future.

The only safe bet is using the official authorised agencies as quoted by the event organisers and believing the sold out signs when they appear ... but keep checking cos they often 'lie' and official tickets do often mysteriously appear after all hope has apparently gone Doing absolutely anything else is dodgy - varying from dodgy and probably expensive but successful to a dodgy and very expensive con job. Always use a credit card, always do some homework, and if you really must go the dodgy route then understand that problems can and do happen. There are no guarantees when buying tickets through unofficial sources other than the one which effectively says that you WILL pay for them whether they're genuine or fake, whether they turn up or not and whether they get you in or leave you standing outside feeling very silly and very p*ssed off.

[Cal91]

http://www.nme.com/news/nme/39129

[Faelfain]

Just to let everyone know, Sky News on TV has just had a report about SOS Masterticket. They've obviously looked quite deep. I can't find the report online but if I do I'll post a link to it.

They mentioned they had an ID for the guy behind the site and he could face ten years if they catch up with him.

[mikeb]

So I suspect Micheal Rangos is behine this scam then... like many others.

Edited August 21, 2008 by mikeb

[sweets30]

the link for sky news

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/video/Mus...2BTicket%2BScam

[ohwhataday]

I haven't seen any evidence or even any suggestions to say that he is/was involved in the SOSMT scam but I'm sure that he has his finger in many pies so is almost without doubt out there scamming someone somewhere. There are a number of sites around (in addition to those mentioned in the article) that seem to have a remarkable similarity to previous well known dodgy sites that he's alleged to have been involved with.

I did look at the SOSMT site out of morbid curiosity around the time it changed name subtly (it was called SOSTicketMaster but I rather suspect that the genuine TicketMaster had some issues with that and got it changed !) but I can't remember whether there were any indications that he may be involved or not. I doubt it somehow as I would have thought someone would have come up with some info or at least started a conspiracy theory by now if it seemed like there was some potential link.

Trading Standards appear to be investigating SOSMT so it will be interesting to see what (if anything) they turn up and whether someone manages track the b*ggers down eventually. If you believe the reports on $ky News today, both private addresses given on the company registration are empty and apparently have been for a while. It would appear that for at least a week or so, peeps were strung out with false promises whilst the b*ggers did a runner. Any action taken will not help peeps get their do$h back of course but it might prevent those involved in the scam from doing it again ... but then again, it quite possibly wont as it certainly hasn't worked in the past. Scumbags various just seem able to move on and go for a repeat performance under a new guise

If anyone who got scammed hasn't already reported it to Trading Standards then now is a very good time to. You can also call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or contact them via the ConsumerDirect website. It's worth doing if only so that they know just how bad the problem is and how many peeps have been affected. They should also be able to advise you if you're experiencing difficulties getting a refund from your bank or credit card company etc.

[Faelfain]

the link for sky news

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/video/Mus...2BTicket%2BScam

[sweets30]

Thanks for posting that. I couldn't find it on the website anywhere when I looked.

[JaneS]

well i have put my complaints on trading standards and i feel a little better. i hope these guys get what they deserve! i hope everyone manages to get some money back for what they have lost through this website. i paid on my credit card and hopefully should get a full refund!! good luck all, my fingers are crossed

[fairy_]

I heard them talking about this on Xfm news this morning, the whole thing seems to be getting a lot of coverage

[wonderwomanUK]

I have had an email from SOS Master Ticket Chris Stock saying that he will reinburse me my finanical outlay for getting to V - see below: But he has asked for my iban on my account - whats that? is it safe?

Laura ,

First I would like to appologise for any inconveinance caused , if you can forward me an iban no for your bank account , I will personally make sure the refund is done, tom being fri , and will email you as soon it as been done.

Regards

Chris stock

Sent with Instant Email from T-Mobile

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Laura Stock <wonderwomanuk2003@yahoo.com>

Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:08:55 -0700 (PDT)

To: <christopher@instantemail.t-mobile.co.uk>

Subject: Fw: Re: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ENCLOSED REGARDING V FESTIVAL

--- On Sat, 8/16/08, Laura Stock <wonderwomanuk2003@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Laura Stock <wonderwomanuk2003@yahoo.com>

Subject: Re: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ENCLOSED REGARDING V FESTIVAL

To: "SOS Masterticket" <info@sosmasterticket.com>

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2008, 3:06 PM

Hello, ref my ticket order: 18059

I have only just received this email and this is unfortunate as I have spent a waisted day traveling all the way to the V festival to learn that "Jay" was not contactable, as his mobile phone was switched off so I could not retrieve my tickets.I was advised by Festival organizers and the police that SOS ticket have let 100's of people down including families with small children - this is disgusting!!! I booked these tickets for my younger brother for his birthday who has a mental health condition, he has been been through hell this year and I thought that this gig would cheer him up, but you have brought nothing but further disappointment for him. You also charged me £30 for parking???!!! when I arrived at the venue the car parks only cost £10??!! so that's a rip off before we even begin and as I couldn't find "Jay" I had to pay another £10 to park so I could look for him - I don't know if you are aware but there a f**king credit crunch here in the UK!!! and I'm not exactly flush at the minute. Therefore I am attaching a breakdown of expenses for which I am claiming for, including compensation for petrol, baby sitters and inconvenience fees which I expect to be paid into my account no later than 29th August as you have suggested. Can you also explain why the tickets were not available when your terms and conditions clearly state that tickets are always available at the time of purchase? If my full expenses have not been refunded into my account I will be contacting Trading Standards, the Police, Watchdog and I will comment on every events website advising people not to book with you. SOS?? Are you having a f**king laugh? Yours sincerley Laura Stock

[ohwhataday]

I have had an email from SOS Master Ticket Chris Stock saying that he will reinburse me my finanical outlay for getting to V - see below: But he has asked for my iban on my account - whats that? is it safe?

Laura ,

First I would like to appologise for any inconveinance caused , if you can forward me an iban no for your bank account , I will personally make sure the refund is done, tom being fri , and will email you as soon it as been done.

Regards

Chris stock

Sent with Instant Email from T-Mobile

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Laura Stock <wonderwomanuk2003@yahoo.com>

Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:08:55 -0700 (PDT)

To: <christopher@instantemail.t-mobile.co.uk>

Subject: Fw: Re: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ENCLOSED REGARDING V FESTIVAL

--- On Sat, 8/16/08, Laura Stock <wonderwomanuk2003@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Laura Stock <wonderwomanuk2003@yahoo.com>

Subject: Re: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ENCLOSED REGARDING V FESTIVAL

To: "SOS Masterticket" <info@sosmasterticket.com>

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2008, 3:06 PM

Hello, ref my ticket order: 18059

I have only just received this email and this is unfortunate as I have spent a waisted day traveling all the way to the V festival to learn that "Jay" was not contactable, as his mobile phone was switched off so I could not retrieve my tickets.I was advised by Festival organizers and the police that SOS ticket have let 100's of people down including families with small children - this is disgusting!!! I booked these tickets for my younger brother for his birthday who has a mental health condition, he has been been through hell this year and I thought that this gig would cheer him up, but you have brought nothing but further disappointment for him. You also charged me £30 for parking???!!! when I arrived at the venue the car parks only cost £10??!! so that's a rip off before we even begin and as I couldn't find "Jay" I had to pay another £10 to park so I could look for him - I don't know if you are aware but there a f**king credit crunch here in the UK!!! and I'm not exactly flush at the minute. Therefore I am attaching a breakdown of expenses for which I am claiming for, including compensation for petrol, baby sitters and inconvenience fees which I expect to be paid into my account no later than 29th August as you have suggested. Can you also explain why the tickets were not available when your terms and conditions clearly state that tickets are always available at the time of purchase? If my full expenses have not been refunded into my account I will be contacting Trading Standards, the Police, Watchdog and I will comment on every events website advising people not to book with you. SOS?? Are you having a f**king laugh? Yours sincerley Laura Stock

[jotty1974]

How strange?

Your Iban number is the number used for international bank transfers. It will contain your account number plus some extra information such as your bank code.

I think it should be OK to give to him, but double check with your bank that a withdrawal can't be made using it.

If fact this may be your only hope of getting a refund.

[wonderwomanUK]

How strange?

Your Iban number is the number used for international bank transfers. It will contain your account number plus some extra information such as your bank code.

I think it should be OK to give to him, but double check with your bank that a withdrawal can't be made using it.

If fact this may be your only hope of getting a refund.