Kaspersky detects 336 fraudulent domains mimicking official tournament platforms
Cybercriminals Target Football Fans with Fake World Cup Streaming Sites
Kaspersky Cyber Security, World Cup 2026 Scams, Fake Streaming Sites, Phishing Email Fraud, Online Betting Scams
Cybercriminals have increasingly intensified their online activities, targeting football enthusiasts globally during the ongoing World Cup. Global cyber security firm Kaspersky has issued a warning regarding fraudulent schemes operating through fake streaming, betting, and match prediction websites.
Since the tournament kicked off on June 11, Kaspersky has detected at least 336 fake domains explicitly designed to mimic the official World Cup website. These platforms lure users with promises of free live match streaming, only to demand cryptocurrency payments later under the guise of providing "lifetime tournament access," risking both financial theft and credential compromise.
Scammers are also utilizing fake betting and match-forecasting portals to harvest sensitive data such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers. Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky, noted that fraudsters are exploiting the popularity of live broadcasts by launching malicious multilingual streaming services and dispersing phishing emails.
In one instance, users were prompted to pay 200 Australian Dollars for alleged "exclusive match analysis." To secure digital safety, Kaspersky advises users to carefully check website URLs and spellings, rely solely on official broadcasting channels, implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and utilize robust security software.
//DBTech/SS/EK//
