Fake ticket schemes are among the most harmful scams targeting sports fans. Phishing websites mimic official sellers to steal payment details. Official tickets are only sold via authorized Olympic platforms, and third-party resellers are often fraudulent.
Bogus Merchandise Risks
Fans eager to buy authentic competition items are targeted by counterfeit online shops. These sites use official logos, fake photos, and fabricated reviews. Victims often pay without receiving products or have their card details stolen.
Deceptive Streaming Offers
Scammers create fake streaming websites offering “cheap,” “exclusive,” or “free” access to live Olympic events. Users entering card details risk losing money and exposing financial data to further scams.
Expert Advice on Staying Safe
Anton Yatsenko, web content expert at Kaspersky, notes: “Global competitions attract fraudsters who design schemes to appear legitimate. Fans must verify sources and stick to official channels before submitting any personal or payment information.”
Key Protection Measures
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Buy tickets only from official channels; avoid third-party sellers.
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Use legitimate streaming platforms with HTTPS verification.
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Purchase merchandise only from official stores or trusted retailers.
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Ignore unsolicited emails, social media posts, or ads promising free tickets or cheap streams.
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Use trusted security tools like Kaspersky Premium to block phishing, malicious ads, and card-skimming scripts.
