How ticket touts use technology to rip off fans online

Big names from the world of sport, music and theatre are urging the government to stop online ticket touts, which they claim are ripping off fans.

In an open letter to the Independent on Sunday, the management of One Direction and the England and Wales Cricket Board say they want ministers to protect supporters from inflated prices and forgeries.

Ticketing specialist Reg Walker says specialised software is used by touts to ''harvest tickets in bulk''.