Islamabad: Kaspersky warns users to be careful with unofficial streaming and betting platforms to avoid losing money and personal data.
The World Cup 2026 kicked off on June 11 and alongside it the number of scammers attempting to exploit fan excitement has also increased. According to Kaspersky, at least 336 unique domains mimicking official World Cup resources have been detected. In addition, cybercriminals are actively exploiting growing interest in match streaming and sports betting.
Since the start of the tournament, millions of viewers worldwide have been tuning in across TVs and other devices to watch matches live. At the same time, fraudsters have been creating websites offering “online streaming” of the championship.
Attackers set up fake websites that claim to provide free access to World Cup broadcasts. After clicking “Watch now,” users are prompted to register to gain access. They are then asked to pay a cryptocurrency fee for “lifetime tournament access.” The danger of this scheme lies in the potential loss of both registration data and cryptocurrency funds.
Another trap targeting football fans involves fraudulent betting and match prediction platforms. For instance, a Spanish-language website was found requesting extensive personal information, including first and last name, email address, phone number and more, under the guise of account creation. Such schemes expose users to credential theft, particularly if they reuse the same password across multiple services, as well as to potential financial loss.
“Since the start of the tournament, scammers have increasingly focused on the ways fans engage with the event online, as watching matches today requires only an internet connection and a device. As a result, criminal activity continues to grow, as reflected in the fraudulent websites we observe offering streaming and betting services in multiple languages. We recommend that users stick to official broadcasts to help protect their data and finances,” says Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky.
Another attack scenario involves emails in which attackers attempt to trick users into sending money or clicking phishing links. To increase engagement, these messages often use compelling subject lines and persuasive wording. In one observed case, fans received emails advertising football analytics services and match winner predictions. A notable feature is the sense of urgency, asking recipients to act quickly, which is one of the common indicators of a possible scam email. In this case, users are asked to pay a A$200 fee to access football analytics. While the offer targets fans interested in betting, paying for such “services” can potentially result in irreversible financial loss.
To avoid falling victim to such threats, Kaspersky advises users tocheck the authenticity of websites before entering personal data. Double-check URL formats and organizations name spellings. Always choose official and reputable streaming platforms to protect your personal data from theft and misuse.
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