The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has issued a public warning about a rise in World Cup-related online scams targeting football fans searching for tickets, merchandise, hospitality packages, streaming services, and betting opportunities.
According to the report, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the popularity of international football events by creating fake FIFA websites and social media advertisements that closely resemble legitimate ticketing and checkout platforms.
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents about World Cup-related online scams targeting fans looking for tickets, hospitality packages, merchandise, streaming access, and betting opportunities,” the agency said in a statement.
Fake FIFA websites target fans
Authorities said scammers are building fraudulent websites that mimic official FIFA pages in an effort to collect sensitive personal and financial information from victims.
According to LASD, these fake platforms can steal login credentials, personal details, credit card information, and direct payments from unsuspecting fans.
“Cybercriminals are creating fake FIFA websites and social media ads that closely resemble legitimate ticketing and checkout pages,” the department warned. “These sites may steal login credentials, personal information, credit card numbers, and payments.”
Officials advised consumers to access FIFA’s official website directly through their browser rather than clicking links shared through advertisements, social media posts, text messages, Telegram groups, or WhatsApp chats.
Crypto payments identified as a red flag
The warning also highlighted cryptocurrency as one of the payment methods frequently requested by fraudsters.
Authorities cautioned fans against purchasing tickets or related products from sellers who demand payment through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, peer-to-peer payment applications, gift cards, or other difficult-to-reverse methods.
“Be cautious of sellers requesting payment through cryptocurrency, wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment apps, gift cards, or other methods that are difficult to reverse,” LASD stated.
Law enforcement officials noted that once cryptocurrency transactions are completed, victims often have limited options to recover stolen funds, making digital assets a preferred payment method for online scammers.
The department further warned consumers not to trust screenshots, PDF confirmations, or paper tickets sold by private individuals online, as such materials can easily be fabricated.
Sports and crypto risks under growing scrutiny
The latest warning comes as regulators worldwide continue to examine the growing intersection between sports and cryptocurrency-related financial risks.
Earlier this month, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) warned Premier League clubs against partnering with unauthorized cryptocurrency firms. The regulator said sponsorship agreements with unregulated crypto companies could expose football fans to financial harm and misleading promotions as clubs seek new commercial partners ahead of the league’s gambling shirt sponsorship ban.
The FCA’s warning reflected broader concerns among regulators that sports fans may be particularly vulnerable to financial scams and high-risk products promoted through trusted sporting brands.
The LASD advisory highlights similar risks, showing how cybercriminals are leveraging the popularity of major sporting events to conduct fraud campaigns involving fake tickets, counterfeit merchandise, fraudulent betting offers, and cryptocurrency payment schemes.
Officials advised anyone who believes they have been targeted by a World Cup-related scam to immediately contact local law enforcement, notify their bank or credit card provider, preserve screenshots and transaction records, and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
As excitement around upcoming World Cup events continues to build, authorities are urging fans to rely only on official sales channels and remain cautious of offers that appear unusually cheap, urgent, or require payment through cryptocurrency.
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