Kaspersky Warns of Rising Online Scams Linked to Major Sporting Events

Major sporting events and tournaments take place throughout the year — from world championships and continental cups to the finals of popular leagues. Fans around the globe follow these events live through streaming services. However, this continuous global enthusiasm for sports makes such events attractive targets for cybercriminals, who seek to exploit them all year long. For this reason, Kaspersky warns users about common scams associated with sports and tournaments — such as fake streaming services, ticket sales, and memorabilia — helping them stay alert and secure.

Ticket Scams

Ticket fraud is among the most dangerous and costly threats facing sports fans. According to public data, football fans have lost approximately USD 3.3 million to ticket scammers over the past two years. The risks go beyond inflated prices or fake tickets sold by unauthorized vendors — phishing websites also pretend to be official ticket sellers.

For example, researchers at Kaspersky’s Cyber Threat Research Center recently discovered a fraudulent website mimicking the well-known ticket platform Ticketmaster. The fake site lured visitors with an attractive offer: filling out a short survey to receive a USD 1,000 gift card. Victims were then asked to pay a small “processing fee” to claim their reward. However, they received neither the gift card nor a refund — falling victim to fraud and exposing themselves to further scams.

Memorabilia Scams

Scams involving sports memorabilia target passionate fans, especially during major sporting events. In these cases, scammers create fake online stores that closely resemble official retailers, using stolen logos, product images, and even fake customer reviews to appear legitimate. They exploit fans’ enthusiasm and emotional connection to their favorite teams. Kaspersky discovered one such fraudulent store inspired by the Stanley Cup playoffs. Victims who entered their payment details never received any products, and worse — their stolen card information was later used for unauthorized transactions, draining their accounts.

Streaming Service Scams

Scammers also design phishing sites that imitate legitimate streaming platforms, offering “exclusive” or “discounted” subscriptions to watch key matches. The offer seems simple — pay to watch the game — but victims never gain access to the broadcast. Instead, their payment details are stolen and misused. Some criminals also create fake streaming sites that redirect users to other malicious pages once they click the “Play” button.

Kaspersky identified several similar scams targeting fans of various sports, including the NFL and the UEFA Champions League. No sport is immune — the global popularity of these tournaments ensures a steady stream of potential victims, making streaming platforms a year-round target for scammers.

Expert Insights

Olga Altukhova, Web Content Analysis Expert at Kaspersky, commented:
“Sporting events bring people together from all over the world — and they also attract cybercriminals eager to exploit fan enthusiasm. These criminals design deceptive traps that closely mimic legitimate platforms, such as fake streaming services and counterfeit ticket sites. Users must remain cautious, verify sources, and rely on trusted services before sharing payment details.”

Raising Awareness Through Sports

Kaspersky has partnered with two renowned South African rugby players — Pieter-Steph du Toit and RG Snyman — to launch a six-month awareness campaign titled ‘Safer Together’. The initiative aims to raise cybersecurity awareness and help fans of all ages protect their devices, data, and privacy from cyber threats.

Du Toit commented on the partnership:
“Fans are the heart and soul of sports — their passion drives us forward every time we step on the field. We want them to feel as safe online as they do in the stadium. Their enthusiasm should never become an entry point for hidden risks. Our partnership with Kaspersky reminds everyone to protect themselves against threats beyond the field — from fake streaming sites to ticket scams.”

Tips to Stay Protected from Sports-Related Scams

• Buy tickets only from official sources: Avoid third-party sites and always verify the legitimacy of the organizer’s website.

• Verify streaming platforms carefully: If a streaming service isn’t linked to an official broadcaster or team, be cautious. Ensure the site uses HTTPS, read user reviews, and never enter payment details on unfamiliar sites.

• Beware of fake merchandise stores: Avoid “exclusive” offers that seem too good to be true. Always purchase official merchandise from trusted, verified retailers.

• Don’t click on suspicious links: Avoid links promising free tickets or gift cards, whether shared via email, text, or social media — these often lead to phishing pages.

• Use a trusted security solution: A product like Kaspersky Premium provides real-time protection against malware, blocks malicious websites and phishing emails, and prevents data theft from infected ads or credit card skimming tools.

About Kaspersky

Founded in 1997, Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company. The company protects over one billion devices from emerging cyber threats and targeted attacks. With deep expertise in threat intelligence and security, Kaspersky develops innovative solutions and services that protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments worldwide. Its comprehensive security portfolio includes advanced protection for personal digital life, enterprise cybersecurity products and services, and cyber immunity solutions designed to counter sophisticated digital threats. Kaspersky currently safeguards millions of users and around 200,000 corporate clients globally.