Trump administration sues San Diego company for alleged massive ticket scalping scheme - San Diego Union-Tribune
The Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission filed a civil lawsuit on October 15, 2026, against San Diego-based REPS & Company and three executives. The government alleges the firm violated the BOTS Act by bypassing online purchase limits to illegally acquire more than 18.5 million tickets. The scheme targeted tours for artists including Beyonce, Post Malone, and Pitbull, generating at least $120.8 million in resale profits by selling tickets to consumers at inflated prices.
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- ✓ The DOJ and FTC filed a civil lawsuit against San Diego-based REPS & Company and three of its executives.
- ✓ The lawsuit was filed on October 15, 2026.
- ✓ REPS & Company is accused of illegally purchasing more than 18.5 million tickets.
- ✓ The alleged scheme generated at least $120.8 million in resale profits.
What changed
Federal authorities filed a civil lawsuit against REPS & Company and three executives for BOTS Act violations.
Live updates
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Trump Administration Sues San Diego Ticket Broker REPS & Company
The Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission filed a civil lawsuit on October 15, 2026, against San Diego-based REPS & Company and three executives. The government alleges the firm violated the BOTS Act by bypassing online purchase limits to illegally acquire more than 18.5 million tickets. The scheme targeted tours for artists including Beyonce, Post Malone, and Pitbull, generating at least $120.8 million in resale profits by selling tickets to consumers at inflated prices.
Why it matters
The BOTS Act prohibits the use of software to bypass security measures on ticketing websites. This case targets the scale of automated ticket acquisition and the resulting price inflation for consumers. It involves both the DOJ and FTC in a joint effort to curb massive scalping operations.
What is confirmed
- The DOJ and FTC filed a civil lawsuit against San Diego-based REPS & Company and three of its executives.
- The lawsuit was filed on October 15, 2026.
- REPS & Company is accused of illegally purchasing more than 18.5 million tickets.
- The alleged scheme generated at least $120.8 million in resale profits.
- The company allegedly targeted tickets for Beyonce, Post Malone, and Pitbull.
- The government claims the company violated the BOTS Act.
Still unconfirmed
- REPS & Company used offshore workers to scalp tickets.
- The company is based in Bay Ho.
What to watch next
- Court rulings on the civil complaint against the three executives
- Evidence presented regarding the specific bot software used to bypass purchase limits
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- Billboard — DOJ Sues Broker That Allegedly Netted $120M Flipping Tickets to Beyoncé & More Tours
- Rolling Stone — Broker Accused of Illegally Buying 18.5 Million Tickets for Beyoncé, Post Malone, and More
- The Hollywood Reporter — Feds Sue Ticket Broker Firm Over Alleged $120M Scheme For Beyoncé, Pitbull Tickets
- Paste Magazine — San Diego company accused of illegally scalping 18.5 million tickets
- San Diego Union-Tribune — Trump administration sues San Diego company for alleged massive ticket scalping scheme
- www.sandiegouniontribune.com — Trump administration sues San Diego company for alleged ...
- www.hollywoodreporter.com — DOJ, FTC Sue Ticket Broker Over Alleged $120M BOTS Act Violation
- www.lawcommentary.com — Ticket Broker Sued Over 18.5 Million Tickets, $120 Million in ...
- newsantaana.com — Feds sue So. California ticket broker over alleged $120.8M ...
- news.pollstar.com — Feds Sue San Diego Broker Who Allegedly Bought 18.5M Tickets ...
- hoodline.com — San Diego's REPS & Company Sued Over Ticket Scalping
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