DC Attorney General Sues StubHub Over Pricing

The Attorney General of Washington, D.C., Brian Schwalb, has filed a lawsuit against StubHub, alleging that the ticket resale platform engages in deceptive pricing practices known as "drip pricing." This method involves advertising low ticket prices but hiding mandatory fees until the final stages of the purchasing process, making it difficult for consumers to understand the true cost. The lawsuit claims that these hidden fees can increase the total ticket price by over 40%, violating local consumer protection laws. Schwalb emphasized that this practice unfairly boosts profits at the expense of customers, who often feel pressured to complete their purchases due to a countdown timer. Consumer advocacy groups have supported the lawsuit, highlighting the need for transparency in ticket pricing. StubHub's previous model of "all-in pricing," which included all fees upfront, was abandoned after it was found that consumers were more likely to purchase tickets at inflated prices under the current model.