World Cup Scams have surged since the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with cybersecurity company Kaspersky identifying hundreds of fraudulent websites designed to exploit football fans through fake streaming services, betting platforms and phishing campaigns.
According to Kaspersky, cybercriminals have created at least 336 unique domains that imitate official World Cup resources. The company warned that scammers are increasingly targeting users seeking live match broadcasts and online betting opportunities.
As millions of fans follow tournament matches on digital devices, fraudsters have launched websites that falsely promise free access to live World Cup coverage. These sites typically encourage users to click a “Watch Now” button and complete a registration process.
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After registering, users are often asked to pay a cryptocurrency fee in exchange for what is described as lifetime access to tournament broadcasts. Security experts warn that victims risk losing both their cryptocurrency funds and personal information submitted during registration.
Kaspersky also identified fraudulent betting and match prediction platforms aimed at football supporters. One Spanish-language website requested extensive personal information, including names, email addresses and phone numbers, under the pretext of creating an account.
The company warned that such schemes can lead to credential theft, especially when users reuse passwords across multiple online services. Victims may also face financial losses if they provide sensitive information or make payments through unverified platforms.
Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky, said scammers are increasingly focusing on how fans engage with major sporting events online.
She noted that criminal activity has expanded alongside the growing demand for online streaming and betting services. According to Altukhova, fraudulent websites now operate in multiple languages and continue to target football fans around the world.
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Kaspersky also observed phishing campaigns delivered through email. In one example, users received messages promoting football analytics services and match prediction packages. These emails used urgent language to pressure recipients into making quick decisions.
The company found that some messages requested payments of up to A$200 for access to football analysis and betting recommendations. Security experts cautioned that such offers may result in irreversible financial losses.
To reduce the risk of cyber fraud, Kaspersky advised users to verify website authenticity before sharing personal information. The company recommended checking website addresses carefully, confirming the correct spelling of organisation names and using only official and reputable streaming services.
Kaspersky also encouraged users to install trusted cybersecurity solutions capable of detecting phishing links, blocking malicious content and protecting sensitive personal data from cybercriminals.
