It’s ‘Scam United’ as England followers face excellent storm of World Cup soccer frauds
Dupers will take advantage of supporters’ desperation to see Three Lions lift the World Cup this summer with a barrage of hoaxes, experts warn
Scammers cash in on fans’ desperation to go to World Cup(Image: © SWNS)
England fans are facing a perfect storm of World Cup football frauds. Soaring prices of tickets, accommodation, travel and replica shirts has triggered a ‘Scam United’ crisis for the beautiful game, experts say.
Four in five Brit fans desperate for matchday tickets fear being ripped off by fraudsters during the tournament taking place in the US, Mexico and Canada. But a third are still willing to take the risk, according to new research by online protection giant McAfee.
Researchers unearthed websites offering seats that do not exist, streaming services vowing to show matches they do not have access to, secondary sellers using flash stadium graphics to flog non-existent tickets and fraudsters selling fake football shirts
Experts say scammers are exploiting fans’ desperation to see a tournament England has not won for 60 years.
For many attending matches live feels essential. Almost two-thirds said they would feel disappointed if they could not make it.
A third said they would pay £500 for a ticket. Experts said the strong demand and limited availability was pushing fans toward unofficial sellers even when they know scams are a risk.
Vonny Gamot, of McAfee, said: ”Major global sporting events are a magnet for scammers who prey on the excitement and urgency of fans using fraudulent websites, social media and even QR codes to sell fake tickets.
“The fear of missing out is powerful and it can push even cautious supporters toward risky, unofficial sellers.
“To avoid being scammed the advice is simple – protect yourself and your money by only ever buying from official providers.”
More than half of 6,500 fans polled said they were aware individuals were selling fake tickets.
A third said they were wary of bogus giveaways or promotions and counterfeit merchandise. A fifth knew conmen were operating travel or accommodation scams and 22% were aware of betting fraud.
But 38% of men admitted they would consider buying tickets from unofficial sellers if official tickets were unavailable. Only 24% of women would use touts. One in five men admitted they would do everything in their power to attend a World Cup match.
A McAfee spokesman urged supporters to ‘give suspicious ticket offers a red card’.
“Scammers often create fake ticket sellers or imitation ticket marketplaces designed to look legitimate,” a spokesman said.
“If a deal seems too good to be true or comes from an unfamiliar source it’s best to walk away.
“Watch for offers that look offside.
“Scammers frequently promote tickets through social posts, direct messages, or unfamiliar websites designed to rush fans into quick decisions.
“Stick to official ticket sources and verified marketplaces whenever possible.”
