Beware Of Fake World Cup Streaming Sites

Published: Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 10:19 am

Fake World Cup Websites Surge Ahead of Tournament

As anticipation builds for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, soccer fans are warned to be vigilant against a growing wave of fraudulent websites and online stores. Research from PreCrime Labs, the threat research team at BforeAI, reveals a surge in the creation of new domains designed to deceive fans. These sites offer everything from fake merchandise to illicit streaming of matches.

The researchers observed a significant increase in malicious domain activity between August 8th and August 12th, with nearly 300 domains registered during this short period. These sites are designed to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the tournament, using tactics such as fake ticketing, counterfeit merchandise sales, and unlawful streaming of games. Some sites also lure users with betting opportunities or offer "fan guide" pages to collect personal information.

The fraudulent websites often mimic official branding, including logos of payment partners like VISA and the FIFA logo. They also use celebrity pictures and keywords associated with official partners without authorization. One example cited by researchers involved a domain titled "FIFA world cup schedule" that redirected users to a betting page.

This trend is not unique to the World Cup. Similar schemes have been observed during other major sporting events, such as the Olympics and ICC tournaments. Scammers exploit trending keywords to increase visibility and spread their fraudulent content on social media.

The research also highlights a B2B phishing scheme targeting businesses. This campaign collects personally identifiable information, including financial details and contact information, under the guise of offering advertising opportunities in a non-existent directory.

The U.K.'s Lloyds bank reported a rise in football ticket scams during the 2023/24 season. Experts advise fans to stick to official channels when purchasing tickets and to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Social media is a common platform for these scams, where impostors create fake profiles to sell non-existent tickets.

BNN's Perspective:

The proliferation of fraudulent websites targeting World Cup fans is concerning. While the excitement surrounding the tournament is understandable, it's crucial for fans to remain cautious and protect themselves from financial fraud and identity theft. Increased awareness and adherence to official channels are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Keywords: FIFA World Cup, fake websites, online scams, fraud, merchandise, streaming, betting, phishing, ticketing, counterfeit, domains, social media, security, financial fraud, identity theft

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