Authorities warn of World Cup ticket, merchandise scams

Authorities and cybersecurity experts are issuing stern warnings about a significant increase in scams exploiting interest in the 2026 World Cup. Fraudsters are actively using fake websites that impersonate FIFA's official online presence to sell non-existent tickets and merchandise. This wave of deception targets enthusiastic fans seeking entry to the world's largest World Cup, which features an expanded 48-team format and 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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Scammers exploit fan excitement, limited ticket availability and the fear of missing out, knowing people may lower their guard when an opportunity feels exclusive or time-sensitive.

Concerns are amplified by the already controversial official ticketing process for the event, with high entry costs pricing many fans out. Malicious actors are capitalizing on this situation, preying on desperate fans looking for bargains outside accredited channels. Experts describe these tactics as a "new normal" for major global events. The FBI has identified dozens of fraudulent websites, many using domain names designed to mimic official FIFA sites, aiming to steal personal information or sell fake goods.

Cybersecurity firm Group-IB has reported an even larger scale of deception, identifying over 4,300 fraudulent domains registered since August that pose as FIFA-affiliated entities. Some of these sites are reportedly dormant, poised to become active as the competition approaches. Justin Miller, an associate professor of cyber studies at the University of Tulsa, noted that scammers exploit fan excitement, limited ticket availability, and the fear of missing out, knowing that people may lower their guard when an opportunity seems exclusive or time-sensitive.

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Cybercriminals follow attention, urgency and money, and the World Cup sits at the intersection of all three.

These scam websites often closely resemble the official fifa.com site, complete with official branding and payment partner logos. They feature complex interfaces that allow users to browse matches, make selections, and proceed through a checkout process. Beyond ticket scams, fraudulent ad campaigns on social media platforms promote phony merchandise and collectibles. Authorities in all three host countries are urging fans to purchase tickets and merchandise only from official sources to avoid falling victim to these sophisticated schemes.

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Someone is fraudulently using my name and photo.