MACKAY'S premier events venue will now have the power to seize or cancel tickets being sold by scalpers.

Manager of MECC and events Andrew Bobeldyk said the venue has also placed a ban on all online international credit card transaction to stop international companies from buying bulk tickets for fraudulent sale.

Mr Bobeldyk said the "no tolerance" policy had come into effect in response to patrons being blatantly ripped off when buying online tickets for the recent Jimmy Barnes concert via ticket resale marketplace Viagogo.

"We had a number of patrons call the box office to report they had paid hundreds of dollars for their tickets," he said.

"We strongly advise you always purchase tickets to any event through the official vendor, which for the MECC is www.themecc.com.au.

"As a well-known and popular entertainment venue, we hate to see patron's disappointment when they realise their ticket was purchased from an unauthorised sales channel and is invalid.

"Unauthorised sales channels include Viagogo, eBay and Gumtree. We are trying to put as many regulations and guides in place to prevent this, so patrons can enjoy the performance they have so long been looking forward to.

"It is a high priority for our staff and we are aiming to educate patrons to ensure a safe environment is provided when purchasing tickets online."

Comedian Kitty Flanagan, who is bringing her show to the MECC on June 28, recently took to social media to slam Viagogo, warning fans to only buy tickets to her show through the official venues.

And last year, Elton John fans were devastated to learn the tickets they'd paid hundreds of dollars for were not authentic.

The MECC has implemented updated terms and conditions to put regulations around scalping and ticket resales.

The MECC advises to follow these steps before and when a purchase is made:

• Find out who the authorised ticket seller is - generally, for events at the MECC this is www.themecc.com.au
• When you google for tickets, ensure the ticket seller who has come up first in your search result is the authorised ticket seller.
• Sign up to the MECC's mailing list and Facebook channel to receive firsthand information about upcoming events.
• Create an online account with the MECC to ensure when tickets go on sale, you are ready to go.
• Check where your seats are and for other special conditions before you buy your ticket.
• Read the terms and conditions so you know your rights and are informed about refunds and cancellations.

All tickets at the MECC are sold in accordance with the LPA Ticketing Code of Practice.