SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Computer-hacking software that consumes online event tickets is called bots and the House last week passed a bill making them an unfair and deceptive act.
Assistant General Manager at the PREMIER Center, Chris Semrau, says scalpers use the bots to sidestep computer security and buy large blocks of tickets.
Semrau says there are computers that are professionally programmed to seek out tickets in Sioux Falls. But Semrau believes there is not nearly the impact here that there is in major markets with major acts.
The act would make ticket-buying bots a civil offense and allow the Federal Trade Commission to deal with online scalpers.
Tennessee has outlawed the use of bots but the biggest problem is enforcing the statute. The other issue is confusion over which agency is enforcing the law if the scalper is from another state.
The law in congress makes the use of ticket-buying bots a federal crime punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.