Ontario woman thought she spent $39 on theatre tickets. She didn't. Here's what happened
An Ontario woman was "shocked" to learn she paid seven times more for her theatre tickets than she thought she did.
"I had no idea the tickets were going to cost that much," said Catherine Quinn, of Dundas, Ont.
Quinn enjoys theatre and wanted to see a production of "Something Rotten" at the Stratford Festival, so she searched on Google for tickets.
"I believed I was on the Stratford Festival website, I ordered tickets and I gave them my credit card," said Quinn.
Quinn thought she had paid $39 for two tickets, but when she got her credit card statement, she saw she was charged $283.
Quinn had purchased the tickets through a website called Go Tickets, a ticket reseller. While she did receive the tickets in time for the show, she said she had no idea about the additional exorbitant charges.
"You have to be vigilant, you have to make sure you are on the proper website. It's very easy to get on to third-party websites and not realize it," said Quinn.
According to Consumer Reports (CR), some companies pay Google a fee to be the first thing to "pop up" when you're searching online, including ticket sellers.
"There is a lot of unethical shady behaviour going on that is unfortunately allowed under the law," said Chuck Bell with CR.
When searching on Google, CR said the first choice may not always be the best option and stressed buyers need to take their time and triple-check to ensure they're on the correct website so they don't spend more money than they need to.
"They have to be on the look out for scammers and those selling counterfeit tickets, and then they also have to make sure they don't overpay for tickets. Your best protection is to go to the venue website itself," said Bell.
CTV News reached out to Go Tickets but did not receive a response.
Quinn wants to warn others to be careful when buying tickets online.
"It's so easy to end up on a website that says Go Tickets or some other website that is not the official website you're looking for," Quinn said.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING Ontario pitches energy partnership amid Trump's threats of tariffs, Canada acquisition
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of the province's energy supply to generate revenue and jobs on both sides of the border.
LIVE UPDATES
LIVE UPDATES Tracking the L.A. wildfires: 2 dead as major fires at 0% containment, locals describe 'terrifying' escape
A series of wildfires are searing through the Los Angeles area, forcing many to evacuate their homes. Follow along here for the latest updates. Numerous buildings were destroyed and nearly 3,000 acres burned in the Pacific Palisades. Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate further through today.
Canada ranked among 'top 5 losers' in new passport ranking
A new global ranking may raise doubts about Canada's reputation of being open to other countries.
Minister LeBlanc not running for Liberal leadership, as caucus meets for first time since Trudeau resignation
Longtime cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc will not be running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberals. He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.
Is Donald Trump kidding? Americans in Canada react to tariff, annexation threats
While Donald Trump's comments on tariffs and Canada becoming 'the 51st state' have drawn anger and fear among Canadians, reaction from Americans who live, study or work in Canada has been mixed, and is largely influenced by how they voted in the presidential election.
Hollywood stars forced to flee amid devastating Los Angeles wildfires
Large parts of Los Angeles County are under evacuation orders Wednesday as massive wildfires spread through the megacity's hilltop suburbs. Here is what some of the stars are seeing from their backyards.
B.C. doctors comparing avian flu that infected teen with that of Louisiana patient
The BC Centre for Disease Control says it is comparing the genetic features of a local teenager's avian flu case with that of a Louisiana patient who died earlier this week.
4 generations on 1 lot: One family's creative response to B.C.'s housing crisis
A single lot in Delta, B.C., that used to be home to a single rancher built in the 80s is the site of four separate homes, housing four generations of the same family.
Body of at least 1 Israeli hostage is recovered in Gaza, military says
Israeli forces have recovered the body of a hostage held in Gaza, the military said Wednesday, adding that it was identifying additional remains that could belong to another captive held in the war-torn enclave.
Montreal
-
Blowing snow, icy temperatures causing accidents in Montreal
Blowing snow and freezing temperatures are causing road accidents in and around Montreal.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador Opposition calls to halt vote on Quebec energy deal
Newfoundland and Labrador's Opposition Progressive Conservatives asked the premier today to suspend a vote on a draft energy deal with Quebec's hydro utility until it is reviewed by independent experts.
-
2 injured after getting hit by potential stolen car in Montreal
Two people are injured after their vehicle was hit by a car that Montreal police suspects could have been stolen.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa police constable demoted following impaired driving crash in police vehicle
An Ottawa police constable has been demoted for 22 months in connection to an impaired driving crash while in an unmarked police vehicle on St. Patrick's Day last year.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Ontario pitches energy partnership amid Trump's threats of tariffs, Canada acquisition
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of the province's energy supply to generate revenue and jobs on both sides of the border.
-
A look at the proposed designs for new north-side stands at Lansdowne
The City of Ottawa is providing a glimpse of the plans for a new north-side stands at TD Place and a new 'Event Centre,' ahead of public consultations on Lansdowne 2.0 this month.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ontario airport expanding security screening
The Timmins airport will begin expanding security screening this month for flights in northern Ontario and western Quebec, at the request of Mushkegowuk Council.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Ontario pitches energy partnership amid Trump's threats of tariffs, Canada acquisition
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of the province's energy supply to generate revenue and jobs on both sides of the border.
-
'What are we talking about?' Trump's 'economic force' comments cause worry, disbelief
Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump's escalating rhetoric around implementing tariffs on Canadian products are sparking worry and disbelief, though some of the companies potentially most affected are staying quiet.
Kitchener
-
Minister LeBlanc not running for Liberal leadership, as caucus meets for first time since Trudeau resignation
Longtime cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc will not be running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberals. He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.
-
Wilmot residents weigh in on proposed 51 per cent tax hike
People in Wilmot had their say as they potentially face down an almost 51 per cent tax hike.
-
New details released in case against admitted doula defrauder in Ontario
A woman, who previously admitted to faking pregnancies and defrauding numerous doulas, has pleaded guilty again to similar crimes, committed while serving her sentence on the original set of charges.
London
-
More snow on the way for your Wednesday afternoon, but signs of the system weakening
According to CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison, an additional 10 to 15 centimetres is projected as we head into the afternoon, with squalls creating varied conditions throughout the region.
-
Attempted robbery of London jewellery store has LPS on the hunt for four suspects
According to police, at roughly 4:15 p.m., four men arrived in a white SUV, and entered a jewellery store in the 400-block Wharncliffe Road South.
-
Teen faces charges after damaging two vehicles in an argument: London police
Just before 9:40 p.m. in the south end of London, police say that three young men were on Dalhousie Crescent when they began arguing. One of them used an expandable baton to damage the other two young people’s cars.
Windsor
-
Fourth suspect arrested after east Windsor armed robbery
All the suspects wanted after an east end armed robbery have now been arrested.
-
Police identify 65-year-old woman in theft case
Windsor police have identified a senior woman wanted for retail and grocery thefts.
-
City estimates over 100,000 people attended Bright Lights Windsor 2024
The City of Windsor estimates that over 105,000 people attended the Bright Lights Windsor 2024 display.
Barrie
-
ATM scammers wanted by police
Three suspects pulled off several bank frauds in New Tecumseth.
-
Colleges avert strike by agreeing to binding arbitration
Students might scramble to finish those assignments now that the teacher's union will be back in the class in short order.
-
Good Samaritans assist officer with allegedly drug-impaired suspect
Two men came to the aid of an officer who was being assaulted by a Tay Twp. man.
Winnipeg
-
Patient dies in waiting room at Winnipeg hospital
An investigation is underway after a patient waiting for care died in the waiting room at a Winnipeg hospital Tuesday morning.
-
'Unacceptable': Removal of beaver dam in Manitoba community sends surge downstream
The removal of a beaver dam in a rural Manitoba community is having some unintended consequences, sending a small flood downstream, catching residents off-guard.
-
Missing man found dead: Winnipeg police
A Winnipeg man who had been missing since last month has died.
Atlantic
-
Longtime friend mourns the death of N.S. woman killed in Edmonton
Kenda Hayman from Pictou County, N.S., is mourning the death of her long-time friend, Ashley Burke, who was killed in Edmonton, Alta, in an act of intimate partner violence.
-
Minister LeBlanc not running for Liberal leadership, as caucus meets for first time since Trudeau resignation
Longtime cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc will not be running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberals. He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.
-
N.S. RCMP releases photo of vehicle of interest after shots fired in Cole Harbour
The Nova Scotia RCMP has identified a vehicle of interest after a shooting in Cole Harbour early Sunday morning.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador Opposition calls to halt vote on Quebec energy deal
Newfoundland and Labrador's Opposition Progressive Conservatives asked the premier today to suspend a vote on a draft energy deal with Quebec's hydro utility until it is reviewed by independent experts.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador energy deal with Quebec under scrutiny as debate opens
Newfoundland and Labrador politicians are digging into the details of the province's draft energy deal with Quebec as four days of debate begin today in St. John's, N.L.
-
Part of street washed away and state of emergency declared in N.L. town after storm
Damaging winds and pounding surf that washed away part of a street in a small northeastern town in Newfoundland on Sunday triggered a state of emergency in the coastal community.
Edmonton
-
'Not an easy decision': Chinatown's Italian Bakery to close for good due to safety concerns
After 64 years in business, the Italian Bakery in Chinatown is closing its doors for good.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Josh Classen's forecast: Windy, wet, warm and melty
The warming trend continues, although it won't be in a straight line over the coming days.
-
Alberta business braces for looming U.S. tariffs, embraces potential opportunities because of them
While Alberta's trading future with the United States is uncertain given the imminent threat of punishing tariffs promised by incoming President Donald Trump, business leaders say there is reason for optimism the province could avoid extensive blowback given the importance of energy to Canada's neighbouring global superpower.
Calgary
-
Changes are coming to optometry coverage for Alberta children and seniors
Effective Feb. 1, Alberta's UCP government will be decreasing payments and delisting some services for children and seniors.
-
Airport rail service to kick off Calgary city council's 2025 meetings
Calgary city council is back for the first meeting of 2025, with a committee getting a look at the possibility of train service to the airport.
-
10 things to do in Calgary this weekend (Jan. 10 – 12)
10 things happening in Calgary this weekend.
Regina
-
Saskatchewan residents fined over $17K for illegal hunting after photo of deer posted online
Three Saskatchewan residents are facing a total of $17,240 in fines for illegal hunting activity the province says was discovered after a photo of a deer was posted on social media.
-
Saskatchewan RCMP charge 2 following Swift Current drug bust
Two men are in custody and facing drug trafficking related charges after an RCMP operation in Swift Current.
-
Post holiday lull, Regina Food Bank still in need of donations after Christmas rush
The post holiday season lull in donations is an annual challenge for many organizations including the Regina Food Bank.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatchewan man shares story of losing $30,000 to text scam just before Christmas
A Prince Albert man said he lost nearly $30,000 to a text message scam just before Christmas.
-
Most popular baby names in Saskatchewan in 2024
Saskatchewan’s health ministry released its latest list of the top baby names in the province, and it looks parents are still opting for traditional — with a few exceptions.
-
Saskatoon Blades enter 'new era' with major trade
The Saskatoon Blades have acquired two players and five draft picks from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for Nashville Predators prospect Tanner Molendyk and shutdown forward Misha Volotovskii.
Vancouver
-
Mounties seize $1.7M in contraband cigarettes near Victoria
Mounties say a stash of contraband cigarettes valued at more than $1.7 million has been seized from a property near Victoria.
-
61-year-old pedestrian killed in Vancouver Island crash
A pickup truck struck and killed a pedestrian in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island late last week, police said in an appeal for witnesses and video.
-
B.C. doctors comparing avian flu that infected teen with that of Louisiana patient
The BC Centre for Disease Control says it is comparing the genetic features of a local teenager's avian flu case with that of a Louisiana patient who died earlier this week.
Vancouver Island
-
Mounties seize $1.7M in contraband cigarettes near Victoria
Mounties say a stash of contraband cigarettes valued at more than $1.7 million has been seized from a property near Victoria.
-
61-year-old pedestrian killed in Vancouver Island crash
A pickup truck struck and killed a pedestrian in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island late last week, police said in an appeal for witnesses and video.
-
B.C. doctors comparing avian flu that infected teen with that of Louisiana patient
The BC Centre for Disease Control says it is comparing the genetic features of a local teenager's avian flu case with that of a Louisiana patient who died earlier this week.
