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One month until the World Cup and scammers are already targeting fans – here's what to watch out for

One month until the World Cup and scammers are already targeting fans – here's what to watch out for

Kaspersky warns that scammers are already exploiting enthusiasm for the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada
Fake ticketing, accommodation and transportation apps trick fans into sharing their credentials or losing money; The dark web offers fake tickets for trips and matches with “discounts”
Criminals also target companies with fake airline associations; Experts urge hobbyists to use official platforms and companies to strengthen email security and train staff against phishing.

We are less than a month away from the biggest sporting event of the year, the FIFA World Cup, and scammers are already busy stealing money, passwords and other sensitive data from fans and visitors, experts have warned.

Kaspersky has published a breakdown of the different scam techniques that cybercriminals use to attack football fans as they prepare to visit the host countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The report showed that scammers are targeting fans looking to rent accommodation, as well as those looking to buy tickets to games. They are also trying to steal money and data from people looking for transportation options to and from the stadiums.

How to stay safe

In fact, Kaspersky found a counterfeit version of a well-known transportation application aimed at users in Mexico. This fake app comes with an invitation to “claim rewards”, which only tricks users into sharing their login credentials.

Researchers also found deals on the dark web, such as airline tickets, hotel reservations and match tickets, that are 20% cheaper than the original price.

Obviously, this is all false and people run the risk of losing not only their money, but also the risk of not being able to access the stadiums.

In addition to fans and tourists, criminals also target businesses. Kaspersky said they saw someone posing as a representative of a well-known airline, offering fake business partnerships for things like contractors and suppliers.

Those who take the bait are eventually asked to pay a “deposit” and secure a “priority position” on a non-existent membership selection list.

As we get closer to the start date, the number of these scams will only increase. Kaspersky suggests that fans always check the authenticity of websites before entering personal data and always choose official and trustworthy ticketing platforms.

Business owners, on the other hand, should protect their corporate email, train their employees on the dangers of phishing, and use cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.