Major international sporting events take place throughout the year from world championships and continental tournaments to high profile league finals. Fans can follow the action live on streaming services
However, this constant global interest in sports makes it an attractive, year round target for cybercriminals
At Kaspersky we are warning our users about the most common sports related scams, involving streaming services, ticket sales, and merchandise, to help them stay alert and protected
Ticket Scams Threatening Sports Fans
Tickets scams remain one of the most common and costly threats for sports fans
According to public data, an estimated $3.3m had been lost by football fans to ticket scammers in the past two years
Beyond the obvious risk of buying overpriced or counterfeit tickets from resellers, there is a growing danger of phishing websites posing as legitimate ticket vendors
For example, Kaspersky researchers from Threat Research Expertise Center recently identified a phishing page impersonating Ticketmaster
The site lured visitors with a tempting offer
complete a short survey to receive a $1,000 gift card
To “claim the prize, victims were instructed to pay a small commission fee
However, after making the payment, users received neither the promised prize nor their money back, leaving them empty-handed and exposed to further fraud
Merchandise Scams Targeting Fans’ Passion
An example of phishing page disguised as Ticketmaster’s survey Merchandise scams target fans eager to show support for their favorite teams, especially during major sporting events
Fraudsters set up fake online stores that mimic official merchandise shops, complete with stolen logos, authentic-looking product images, and even fabricated customer reviews to build trust
These scams capitalize on fans’ passion and the desire to own a piece of sporting history
If you are a sports fan, it is essential to purchase merchandise only from verified official retailers
In one case observed by Kaspersky, a phishing store was themed around the Stanley Cup playoffs
However, once payment details are entered, victims are likely to receive nothing at all
Worse, attackers could use the stolen card information to make unauthorized transactions, draining accounts without the buyer’s knowledge
Streaming Service Scams Around the Globe
Streaming services Fraudsters set up phishing websites posing as legitimate streaming platforms, offering “exclusive” or “discounted subscriptions to watch must see matches
The promise is simple: pay for access and enjoy the game, but instead of getting the stream, victims hand over their payment details to cybercriminals
This can lead to stolen financial data and unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts
In addition, some similar sites are created to redirect users to other scam sites: if you click on play to start watching the broadcast, you will be redirected to the scam
Kaspersky has found examples of such scams targeting fans of events ranging from the NFL to the UEFA Champions League, showing that no sport is immune
The global popularity of these tournaments ensures a constant stream of potential victims, making streaming scams a year round favorite for attackers
Expert Insights on Cyber Threats
WATCH EVERY NFL GAME LIVE Examples of phishing pages of streaming services “Sports events bring people together across the globe
but they also attract cybercriminals who are ready to exploit fans’ excitement” says Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky
“From fake streaming platforms to counterfeit ticket shops, scammers create convincing traps that look and feel legitimate
That’s why it’s essential to slow down, verify the source, and only use trusted services before sharing your payment details”
Safer Together Campaign with Rugby Stars
Kaspersky has partnered with two of South Africa’s most respected rugby players, Pieter Steph Du Toit and RG Snyman, in an exclusive six month “Safer Together” campaign
The partnership aims to raise awareness about online security, helping sports fans of all ages protect their systems, data, and privacy from cyberthreats
“Fans are the heart of the game, Their energy, dedication, and passion drive us forward every time we step onto the field.
We want them to feel just as safe online as they do in the standsbecause supporting your team should never come with hidden risks
Partnering with Kaspersky is our way of reminding everyone to protect themselves from the threats you can’t see from the pitch, whether it’s fake streaming sites or ticket scams,” says Pieter Steph Du Toit
Proactive Steps to Stay Protected
There are some proactive steps to protect yourself from sports scams
For instance: Buy tickets only from official sources: Avoid third party sellers and always double check the event organizer’s official website before purchasing
Verify streaming platforms: If a streaming service isn’t linked from an official broadcaster or team website, treat it with caution
Look for HTTPS, read reviews, and avoid entering payment details on unfamiliar sites
Watch out for fake merchandise stores: Fraudulent shops can offer “exclusive” deals on jerseys or memorabilia that never arrive or are counterfeit
Stick to verified retailers, Avoid clicking suspicious links: Whether in emails, messages, or social media posts, links promising free tickets, gift cards often lead to phishing pages
Use a reliable security solution like Kaspersky Premium that protects your devices against malware in real time, by blocking malicious sites, phishing emails, infected ads, and credit card skimmers created by hackers to steal your data.
About Kaspersky
About Kaspersky Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997
With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe
The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats
We help millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them
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