One month out from the World Cup, and scammers are already targeting fans here's what to look out for

Date:
Sat, 16 May 2026 18:35:00 +0000

Description:
Be careful when entering business partnerships, especially if they're asking for deposits ahead of the World Cup.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Kaspersky warns scammers are already exploiting FIFA World Cup hype in Mexico, US, and Canada Fake ticketing, accommodation, and transport apps trick fans into sharing credentials or losing money; dark web offers bogus discounted travel and
match tickets Criminals also target businesses with fake airline
partnerships; experts urge fans to use official platforms and companies to harden email security and train staff against phishing Were 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 cybercriminals are using to target football fans as they prepare to visit the host countries - Mexico, the US, and Canada. The report showed scammers are targeting fans looking to rent accommodation, as well as those looking to purchase tickets for the games. They are also trying to steal money and data from people looking at transportation options to and from the stadiums.
Latest Videos From You may like Experts warn FIFA World Cup partners could be putting customers at risk of email attacks World Cup 2026: how mobile
networks can avoid cybersecurity chaos at kick-off I got scanned by FIFAs World Cup VAR tech heres what its like to become a digital twin How to stay safe In fact, Kaspersky found a spoofed version of a well-known transport app targeting users in Mexico. This fake app comes with an invitation to claim prizes, which only tricks users into sharing their login credentials .

The researchers also found offers on the dark web, for things like airline tickets, hotel bookings, and match tickets, which are 20% cheaper than the original price.

Obviously, all of these are fake and people risk losing not only their money, but they also risk not being able to access the stadiums.

Besides targeting fans and tourists, the criminals are also targeting businesses. Kaspersky said they saw someone pretending to be a representative of a well-known airline, offering fake business partnerships for things such as contractors and suppliers. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Those that take the bait are eventually asked to pay a deposit and secure a priority position in a non-existent partner selection list.

As we get closer to the starting date, the number of these scams is only
going to increase. Kaspersky suggests fans always check the authenticity of websites before entering personal data, and always choose official and reputable ticket platforms.

Business owners, on the other hand, should secure their corporate email,
train their employees on the dangers of phishing, and use state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions. The best antivirus for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best antivirus 1. Best overall: Bitdefender Total Security 2. Best for families: Norton 360 with LifeLock 3. Best for mobile: McAfee Mobile Security Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/one-month-out-from-the-world-cup-and-sc ammers-are-already-targeting-fans-heres-what-to-look-out-for


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