Stay Alert: Beware of Scams Targeting Major Sports Fans
As the world’s most elite athletes gather for this summer’s competitions, cybercriminals are seizing the opportunity to exploit the elevated attention. These events showcase athletic excellence, attracting fans worldwide, but on the downside – they also attract malicious actors.
Alongside some of the fastest and strongest humans on Earth, cybercriminals have set their own new records.
With Summer 2024 ripe for global sporting events, cybercriminals took advantage of the topic. In the first half of the year alone, Gen saw an increase of 942% in sport-related scams compared to the same period in 2023. In past sporting events, scam and phishing attacks increased by 280% during the previous Summer Games and by 238% during the last Winter Games.
This year, we have already witnessed a surge in scams related to France. In the first six months of 2024, scams tied to the events surged by 942% compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
Here’s a look at fraud related to past games.
Emerging Threat Landscape
As competitions continue in France, organizations and individuals should be vigilant of these five threats:
1. Scam and Phishing Attacks
Cybercriminals exploit the popularity of these events by disseminating fake emails and messages that impersonate official sources. These communications often offer counterfeit tickets, merchandise, or urgent updates, aiming to deceive recipients into divulging personal information or clicking on malicious links.
2. Fake Ticket and Resale Scams
High demand for tickets creates a lucrative environment for criminals to sell counterfeit tickets through fraudulent websites or third-party resellers, leading to financial losses and identity theft. SEVERAL WEBSITES TO AVOID: paris24tickets[.]com, paris24tickets[.]net, liveticketfinder[.]com, tickets-paris24[.]com
Below are two examples of fake websites.
3. Fake Streaming Sites
With the surge in demand for live event streams, attackers establish fake streaming websites designed to infect devices with malware or steal personal information.
4. Malicious Mobile Apps
Mobile apps claiming to offer live updates, scores or exclusive content can sometimes be used to install harmful software on devices or to steal personal data.
5. Wi-Fi Security Risks
Public Wi-Fi networks around event venues and fan zones are prime targets for hackers seeking to intercept personal data.
Ways to Protect Yourself
Source Verification and Link Caution. Always authenticate the legitimacy of sources before engaging with them. Verify URLs and contact information to ensure they are genuine. One tip is to assess the reviews and terms of service of a website. Scam sites often lack credible reviews and have confusing or illogical terms. Exercise caution when encountering unfamiliar links in emails or online. Avoid clicking on any links unless you are certain of their authenticity.
Secure Payment Methods. Use secure and verified payment methods. Legitimate partners will not request payments via unconventional methods such as gift cards or wire transfers.
Turn to Official Channels. For reliable information, refer to the official websites of partners and authorized ticket sellers.
Use an AI-powered Scam Detection App. Cyberthreats like phishing emails, counterfeit tickets, and fake websites pose significant risks to attendees and fans. Norton Genie, an AI-powered scam detection tool, can help keep people safe by reviewing websites, texts, and emails, quickly identifying potential scams and providing peace of mind amid heightened security concerns. Its advanced detection capabilities help ensure users can confidently navigate digital interactions without falling victim to cyber fraud.
The allure of major sporting events is not only limited to fans and athletes but also the cybercriminals looking to exploit the excitement. However, with informed vigilance and strategic measures, you can safely navigate the digital world and enjoy these games without falling victim to cyberthreats.
Be proactive when it comes to your cybersecurity, to help ensure your digital safety, privacy and confidence during this year's events in France.
