The FTC Sues Ticket Reseller for Violating BOTS Act
Introduction
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Maryland-based Key Investment Group for allegedly violating the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act and engaging in price gouging for tickets to the highly anticipated Eras Tour. The tour, which features popular artists and performers, has been in high demand with tickets selling out quickly. The FTC's lawsuit alleges that Key Investment Group obtained thousands of tickets through illegal means and resold them for millions of dollars, ultimately taking advantage of eager fans and driving up ticket prices.
Key Details
The BOTS Act, which was passed in 2016, prohibits the use of software programs, or "bots," to purchase tickets in excess of the maximum allowed by the event organizer. The FTC alleges that Key Investment Group used such bots to obtain a large number of Eras Tour tickets and then resold them at significantly inflated prices, including markups of up to 49%. This not only made it difficult for fans to purchase tickets at face value, but also resulted in them paying exorbitant prices for tickets on the secondary market.
Impact
This lawsuit serves as a warning to ticket resale companies that engage in illegal and unethical practices. The FTC is committed to protecting consumers from deceptive and unfair business practices, and this case is just one example of their efforts to ensure fair and reasonable ticket prices for all consumers.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Federal_Trade_Commission
## Overview of the Federal Trade Commission The **Federal Trade Commission (FTC)** is a pivotal independent agency of the U.S. government, established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act. Its primary mission is to protect consumers and promote fair competition in the U.S. economy by enforcing civil antitrust laws and consumer protection regulations. ### History and Structure Created in response to the late 19th-century monopolistic trust crisis, the FTC is composed of five commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, each serving a seven-year term. No more than three commissioners can belong to the same political party, ensuring bipartisan oversight. The FTC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and includes bureaus for Competition, Consumer Protection, and Economics[1][3][4]. ### Key Responsibilities - **Consumer Protection**: The FTC investigates and prevents unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices. It educates consumers and businesses about legal rights and responsibilities. - **Competition Promotion**: The FTC enforces antitrust laws, preventing anticompetitive practices and reviewing mergers that could harm competition[2][5]. ### Key Achievements and Current Status The FTC has been instrumental in challenging mergers and enforcing consumer protection laws. Notably, it filed a complaint that led to Nvidia abandoning its proposed acquisition of Arm in 2021[6]. Currently, the FTC continues to evolve with technological advancements, addressing issues related to AI and digital privacy[6][7]. ### Notable Aspects - **Jurisdiction**: The FTC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice for enforcing antitrust laws. - **Enforcement**: It administers over 70 laws, including the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act[5]. - **Education and Research**: The FTC engages in public outreach, research, and rulemaking to ensure fair market practices[6][7]. In summary, the FTC plays a crucial role in safeguarding U.S. consumers and promoting fair competition, making it
Key_Investment_Group
Key Investment Group is an independent investment firm headquartered in Winter Park, Florida, specializing in **international investing** with a focus on protecting and growing clients’ assets through diversified investments in bourses, currencies, and commodities. The firm is led by a seasoned team with over fifty years of combined experience and serves clients across various countries, including New Zealand, Norway, Australia, the UK, Canada, Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. Its revenue is estimated under $5 million, and it operates with fewer than 25 employees[1][3]. Historically, Key Investment Group has established itself by leveraging deep market expertise to navigate global financial markets, emphasizing long-term wealth preservation and growth through international opportunities. While the company maintains a relatively low public profile with no recent media coverage, its international client base and investment scope indicate a sophisticated operation attuned to global market dynamics[1]. Notably, there is a separate entity named Key Investment Group, LLC based in Pikesville, Maryland, that operates as a **full-service event ticketing company**. This company has recently been involved in significant legal controversy. In 2025, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued this Maryland-based Key Investment Group, alleging it circumvented Ticketmaster’s purchase limits and used deceptive tactics to acquire and resell hundreds of thousands of tickets for major events, including Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The FTC claims the company used fake identities, proxy servers, and multiple accounts to evade detection, generating millions in resale profits. The Maryland firm denied wrongdoing and has counter-sued the FTC, arguing that its practices do not violate the BOTS Act and highlighting tensions between regulators and secondary ticket markets[8]. This legal case is a prominent current aspect related to the name “Key Investment Group,” but it is distinct from the Florida-based investment firm. In summary, **Key Investment Group (Florida)** is a focused international investment firm with decades of industry experience and a global client base, while the similarly named Marylan
