Booked tickets with ex-friends, how do I get a refund if it’s under someone else’s name?

[hauntedbydianaross]

Hi there,

Wayyyyy back before COVID a few friends and I booked tickets to go see a show originally scheduled for 2020, however it has now been pushed back to 2022/23.

The only problem is I was cut out of the group last year for standing up to the toxic leader of the group over their manipulative and just overall nasty behaviour to myself and others.

Just to fully explain this behaviour, it included (but isn’t limited to!) not allowing a member of the group to dye their hair (I wish that was a joke!), constantly pressuring members of the group into taking drugs and not taking no for an answer, creating a group chat called “the traitors” with everyone in it added for the awful crime of daring to like posts on social media that someone he didn’t like had posted (I wish this was a joke!).

It was all so childish and I’m completely glad to be out of it.

But I’ve already paid for the ticket however one person in the group (let’s call her A) has the tickets. A has never really been involved in any of the fallout and I doubt she even knows a lot of what happened, however she is the family relative of the leader of the group (B), so I can guess where her alliances will be.

I do not have a lot of hope that A will willingly hand over my ticket or will send me my money back, so is there anyway I’m able to contact the venue myself/tour operator even though I don’t physically have a ticket or any information?

I know it’s so unlikely but the tickets weren’t cheap

I take it A. collected everyone's money and paid for the tickets as a single transaction? If so, I don't think you've a hope with the ticket provider, sadly. Your best hope is that A. will give you your ticket.

I do not have a lot of hope that A will willingly hand over my ticket or will send me my money back, so is there anyway I’m able to contact the venue myself/tour operator even though I don’t physically have a ticket or any information?

I doubt it if A paid for the tickets.

They're not going to take your word for it that one of A's tickets was for you, and you've paid A. You could be anyone who has found out the name of someone who purchased tickets and is now on the scam.

They sold tickets to A. They will only deal with A. Unless you have a record of yourself paying the venue money, there's no point contacting them, and certainly they won't give a shit about your no longer being friends.

I think I’d take the hit and leave it
I think it’d be more stress to try and get W refund and very unlikely they will give you one if you didn’t book the tickets
Sorry

Do you still want to go to the event?

I got into a gig once without a ticket and without the person who paid for it as the manager was able to trace the transaction online.

Of course you're entitled to contact A and request your ticket. However the likelihood of getting money back for is is extremely low. You aren't supposed to sell tickets on, and most companies will have a non refundable deposit (especially post covid) I'd honestly just take the hit and let it go.

@Pinknoise

Do you still want to go to the event?

I got into a gig once without a ticket and without the person who paid for it as the manager was able to trace the transaction online.

That would only work if the other tickets booked aren't used on the night. If they've given the 'spare' ticket away etc you've no chance in hell.

As a matter of principle I was let A know that I am expecting either a refund or my ticket. If they suggested I wouldn’t get either I would threaten small claims court.

I'd want a refund from A myself. Failing that, agree with the small claims court, as although you will not be friends and having little to do with A any more, it may stop or reduce such behaviour with others.