Online fraud surges during the 2026 Winter Olympics
With the 2026 Winter Olympic Games kicking off, sports fans around the world are watching, and many online scammers are seizing the opportunity to launch new cyberattacks with a wide range of targeting methods, including fake tickets, counterfeit merchandise, and fraudulent live-streaming offers. In a recent report, Kaspersky outlined the main scams targeting victims of this major sporting event.
Ticket scams
Website selling fake tickets
Fake ticket sales are one of the most harmful scams for sports fans. When stadiums are full, and demand for major events is high, scammers sell counterfeit tickets at tempting prices through phishing websites that closely mimic official ticketing sites. Their main aim is usually to steal victims’ payment information. Olympic organizers warn that tickets are sold only through the official Olympic platform, and that third-party websites and resale platforms pose serious fraud risks.
Fake merchandise
Major sporting events often feature promotional and commemorative products for fans wanting keepsakes from the tournament. Scammers exploit this by creating fake online stores that display official logos, convincing images, and fake positive reviews to make their products appear authentic. Victims end up paying for items that may never arrive, and their credit card details can be stolen and used for additional fraudulent activities.
Fake Olympic merchandise
Fraudulent live-streaming offers
As millions of viewers worldwide tune in to Olympic competitions, scammers create websites that mimic the design of well-known streaming platforms. They lure users with tempting offers of cheap or even free access to major events. When users enter their credit card information expecting instant access, they risk losing money and exposing their financial data to theft. In some cases, they are redirected to further scam pages when attempting to play the fake stream.
Fraudulent streaming services that offer discounted or free viewing options.
To help protect sports fans from the main cyber risks associated with the Olympic Games, Kaspersky recommends the following:
- Buy tickets only through official channels. Avoid third-party websites and always verify information through the tournament’s official site.
- Use legitimate streaming platforms and trusted official channels. Check for secure HTTPS connections, read website reviews, and never enter payment details on untrusted sites or pop-up pages.
- Be cautious when dealing with souvenir and merchandise sellers. Avoid unfamiliar stores offering “exclusive” deals or heavily discounted championship products, as they may sell counterfeit goods, deliver nothing at all, or steal your personal data. Purchase only from authorized official stores or partner retailers.
- Do not click on spam emails, social media posts, text messages, or ads claiming to offer free tickets, cheap streaming services, special gifts, or breaking tournament news.
