Scams in syndicates and sports betting increase on the eve of the World Cup; see how to protect yourself

Sale of flags of countries participating in the 2026 World Cup, in Beirut, Lebanon.
Joseph EID / AFP
The number of internet scams involving the World Cup has increased. With the start of the games this Thursday (11) and the expectation of Brazil's debut next Saturday (13), a Kaspersky survey showed the creation of 25 fraudulent websites that promote fake lottery and sports betting in June alone.
The company also pointed to an increase in the number of fraudulent websites that simulate the official page for selling stickers, which went from 164 in May to 180 in June.
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According to Kaspersky, fraudsters attract victims by offering online prize pools with promises of high prizes or easy betting. In addition to direct financial loss, there is a risk of theft of personal and sensitive data through registration forms.
According to Kaspersky's lead security researcher, Fabio Assolini, cybercriminals have exploited the cultural tradition related to the World Cup in Brazil to create fake websites.
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"Due to their haste and inattention to participate in the game, fans end up handing over their money via PIX and valuable personal data in registrations malicious, generating immediate and future losses, with the use of the data provided in new digital frauds", he stated in a note.
Scams also extend to travel and transmissions
Also according to Kaspersky, other segments also record an increase in fraudulent websites.
Products and travel
According to the company, fraudsters create domains that imitate big brands and offer tickets, last-minute tourist packages and accommodation in host cities at prices well below the market. The objective is to induce quick payments via Pix or capture credentials from legitimate travel platforms.
Pirate streaming
With the high demand to watch matches live, many fans are looking for free alternatives on the internet. Cybercriminals take advantage of this interest to create pirated streaming sites, a tactic that spreads quickly through ads and social networks.
To release the supposed game signal, these pages require the download of fake extensions or video plugins. In practice, transmission never happens, and the objective is to infect the victim's device with malicious programs capable of stealing email and social media credentials, monitoring bank details and even taking full control of the device to display abusive advertisements.
Public internet networks
For those traveling to watch games in stadiums, free Wi-Fi can also hide risks, warns Kaspersky.
A study carried out by the company in the three host cities in Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey) analyzed more than 84 thousand Wi-Fi networks and revealed that 17% of open networks are insecure, with weak or non-existent encryption. Connecting to these unprotected networks puts tourist bank details and passwords at risk.
See how to protect yourself
Be wary of unknown pools: only participate in pools organized by people you know, such as friends, family or co-workers, or by consolidated and verified platforms and brands.
Attention to payment methods: be wary of sites that require quick payments via Pix to "guarantee a place" in pools with promises of financial returns unreal.
Buy and bet only on official channels: for sports betting, use only regulated platforms and avoid clicking on links received via WhatsApp or social networks that promise exaggerated welcome bonuses.
Protect your Wi-Fi connection: if you are traveling, avoid carrying out financial transactions or accessing banking applications on public networks. Whenever possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data.
Use security solutions: always have a reliable antivirus installed on your cell phone and computer to block phishing attempts and access to fake betting and streaming sites.

Source: G1