In 2019, Walker Stalker, LLC, owned by Tennessee resident James Frazier, became the center of growing controversy. Walker Stalker produced dozens of conventions related to The Walking Dead television show and other popular programs. But many excited fans awaited the arrival of some of these conventions only to learn that it was all a scam.
The company initially produced conventions that were enjoyed by attendees and even a few cruises that appeared to enjoy success and positive feedback. However, in late 2018, things began to fall apart. Gold tickets were sold that came with photo ops perks, but these promises quickly changed without notice. Consumers could not obtain a refund despite being victims of a contract breach.
Vendors paid to reserve booth space at events and were denied refunds when the events were cancelled. Numerous fans also attempted to no avail to get refunds for cancelled shows after purchasing convention tickets, and some of the celebrity guests reported not being paid agreed-upon amounts for their appearances.
The Better Business Bureau serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky became involved when there was an uptick in consumer complaints globally about Walker Stalker, LLC.
“We did not want anyone in Nashville or around the world to fall victim to these ongoing concerns,” said BBB CEO Robyn Householder.
BBB met with news outlets to inform the community about the Walker Stalker grievances. BBB’s research and attention to the mounting consumer complaints led to some of the cast members of the Walking Dead TV phenomenon and the Tennessee Attorney General’s office getting involved.
In October 2020, Frazier sold Walker Stalker to 3fams Productions, a company that runs similar fan conventions.
On Dec. 2, 2022, Nashville Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III announced a settlement with Walker Stalker, LLC and its CEO, James Frazier. The agreement prevents Frazier from engaging in the kind of conduct that led to the failure to provide promised ticket refunds for canceled events and obliges him to pay restitution owed to eligible consumers. A portion of proceeds from future online Walker Stalker events will be used to reimburse consumers still owed refunds for canceled events, according to a recent 3fams press release.
If Frazier fails to fulfill the terms of the settlement regarding restitution, he must pay a lump sum to the State to cover the costs of the administrator and consumer claims.
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The Better Business Bureau provides tips to consumers to assist in avoiding future ticket scams:
– Visit the bbb.org website to check for reviews and customer complaints before purchasing tickets.
– Always use a credit card so you have some recourse if the tickets are not as promised. Debit cards, wire transfers, or cash transactions are risky.
– Know the refund policy and only purchase tickets from a ticket reseller that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction and refund policy.
