FTC sues a broker over ticket limits
The complaint alleges thousands of accounts, other people's names, and virtual cards let one broker buy past issuer limits, then resell. Section 45c bans the circumvention and the sale.
The complaint alleges thousands of accounts, other people's names, and virtual cards let one broker buy past issuer limits, then resell. Section 45c bans the circumvention and the sale.
On October 15, 2026, the Justice Department filed a complaint for the FTC against REPS and Company and three officers, alleging they beat posted ticket limits.
Why it matters: A fan paying a resale markup is paying the gap the complaint puts at least $120.8 million in profit across the book. No refund desk is in this filing.
Date to watch: No hearing date is posted. The FTC case page, updated October 15, 2026, lists case 3:26-cv-05895 as pending.
Sources:
- FTC press release on the REPS complaint (2026-10-15)
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/10/ftc-sues-ticket-broker-over-unlawful-tactics-used-buy-millions-tickets-popular-live-events - FTC case page, matter 252 3105 (2026-10-15)
https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/252-3105-reps-company-inc-us-v - REPS complaint, S.D. Cal. 3:26-cv-05895 (2026-10-15)
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/repscomplaintfinal.pdf - 15 U.S.C. section 45c, BOTS Act (2016-12-14)
https://uscode.house.gov/us/usc/119-120/t15/s45c/ - Executive Order 14254, Federal Register (2025-04-03)
https://www.govinfo.gov/link/cpd/executiveorder/14254
The Throughline decodes today's headline — with receipts. Every claim is sourced; links below.
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