Many then resell them via the secondary websites.
One measure of the power that touts wield is the extent to which they are not just tolerated by secondary websites but courted by them.
Nowadays, many events seem to sell out in minutes – yet, almost immediately, those same tickets can be found on secondary websites at prices well above the face value.
Ticketmaster stands to gain from high prices on the secondary websites because its subsidiaries, such as Get Me In, take a percentage commission on each one.
Other products on offer on ticketbots.net include "spinners", which automatically flip purchased tickets on to secondary websites, where they can be sold at a large mark-up.
It is becoming increasingly common for fans to find events are selling out within minutes – yet, hours later, those same tickets can be found on secondary websites at prices way above the face value.
It said evidence from security consultant Reg Walker, who said touts' company accounts often did not match up to the sales they made via secondary websites such as StubHub and Viagogo, suggested a tax inquiry was also needed.
On Wednesday night, Kraftwerk play the first of eight sold-out special concerts at Tate Modern, with tickets to see the German electronic music pioneers trading for £500 on secondary websites.
There is no legislation to stop such reselling at this year's World Cup, but 2015 organisers have said new legislation forcing secondary websites to publish the exact row and seat number would prove a deterrent, as people buying tickets from unofficial sources could be refused entrance.
I had 5 people at 10 am checking ticketmaster and all good seats were already taken and placed on secondary websites for a ridiculous price.
