Are "pre-sales" just a scam?

I pre-ordered a new album from iTunes because there was a promotion that those who pre-ordered would receive a code to buy tickets for a concert before they went on sale to the general public. I never received this code. The e-mails from itunes are not blocked in any way.

Now, the tickets are already sold out so I'm **#&$*#.

Has anyone successfully received "pre-sale" passwords from iTunes? I am currently trying to get a refund for this pre-sale because I don't want it. I'd rather buy the CD and rip it myself into higher quality. I only wanted the pre-sale password. I feel I've been a victim of a marketing scam.