A month out from the World Cup and scammers are already targeting fans – here’s what to look out for

Kaspersky warns that fraudsters are already taking advantage of FIFA World Cup hype in Mexico, the US and Canada
Fake ticketing, lodging and transportation apps trick fans into sharing their credentials or losing money; dark web offers fake “discounts” on travel and match tickets
Criminals also target companies with fake airline partnerships; experts urge fans to use official platforms and companies to tighten 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 fraudsters are already busy stealing money, passwords and other sensitive data from fans and visitors, experts have warned.

Kaspersky has published an overview 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 found that scammers are targeting fans looking to rent accommodation as well as those looking to buy tickets to the games. They are also trying to steal money and data from people looking at transport options to and from the stadiums.

How to stay safe

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

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

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

In addition to targeting fans and tourists, the 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 partner selection list.

As we get closer to the launch 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 reputable ticketing platforms.

Business owners, on the other hand, should secure their corporate email, train their employees on the dangers of phishing and use advanced cyber security solutions.