World Cup scam warnings now include tickets, hotels and transport apps

Fan impact

• Use official ticket and resale channels before trusting discounts
• Verify hotel, transport and app links before entering payment data
• Treat unsolicited World Cup partnership emails as high-risk

What scammers are targeting

The latest warning is not limited to fake match tickets. TechRadar reported that Kaspersky has seen scams tied to accommodation searches, stadium transport and discounted travel packages, including offers that look cheaper than normal flights, hotels or match access. That mix matters because World Cup planning pushes fans to make several expensive decisions at once.

Why fans are vulnerable close to kickoff

The tournament starts on June 11, 2026, so many supporters are now filling gaps in their itinerary under time pressure. Scammers use that urgency: a fake app can promise prizes, a fake listing can copy hotel language and a fake seller can claim that a cheaper ticket will disappear within minutes.

• Do not enter credentials after clicking a prize or discount prompt
• Check booking domains directly instead of through forwarded links
• Keep payment proof and official ticket records separate from screenshots

Business scams are part of the same risk

Kaspersky also warned that criminals are approaching companies with fake World Cup partnership or supplier opportunities. That creates a second layer of risk for bars, hotels, vendors and local businesses that want to participate in the tournament economy but may not recognize a fabricated contractor or airline pitch.

CupMate planning note

CupMate users should treat safety checks as part of match-day planning, not as an afterthought. The safest workflow is to start from official ticketing, confirm every travel vendor independently, avoid social-media sellers and save a clean paper trail before adding a booking to the itinerary.

Source

This CupMate summary is rewritten for fan planning context from TechRadar.