Social media users following coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics have encountered a wave of posts claiming to show a ‘gold medallist viral video scandal’, often accompanied by links promising exclusive or leaked footage.
The posts are not connected to any confirmed athlete or Olympic incident. Instead, they form part of a phishing campaign that uses misleading content to exploit increased online attention around the Games.
The links have circulated across several major platforms, using sensational language and shortened URLs to appear legitimate. Similar tactics have been observed during previous large-scale sporting events, when spikes in search activity and social media engagement create opportunities for online scams.
How The Scam Is Circulating Online
Posts linked to the campaign have appeared on platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Telegram. Many feature blurred or cropped images of a young woman falsely identified as a gold medallist, accompanied by captions referring to a ‘leaked video’ or ‘exclusive scandal’.
In most cases, the links lead away from social media to external websites that claim to host the footage. Visitors are then prompted to interact further, commonly by being asked to log in or confirm their age before watching the video.
By using Olympic-related keywords and familiar social media formats, the posts can appear alongside legitimate coverage of the Games, increasing the likelihood that they are shared or clicked on before their authenticity is questioned.
What Happens After A Click
Users who follow the links are often redirected to pages that closely resemble the login screens of established social media platforms. These pages request account usernames and passwords in order to proceed.
If those details are entered, access to the account can be taken by the operators of the scam. In some instances, users are also prompted to download software described as a video player, which can install malicious programs on a device.
Compromised accounts may then be used to share the same links with friends or contacts, allowing the campaign to spread further and making the posts appear more trustworthy because they originate from familiar profiles.
Why Major Events Are Exploited
Online scams frequently take advantage of major news events, when public attention is high and information spreads quickly. The Olympics provide a particularly effective setting, as interest in athletes, results and behind-the-scenes moments remains constant throughout the competition.
Similar campaigns have been observed during previous international sporting tournaments and other global events, with misleading content adapted to match trending topics and search behaviour.
Online Safety and Awareness
Guidance on online safety consistently highlights that posts promising sensational or exclusive content from unfamiliar sources are a common feature of phishing campaigns, particularly during high-profile events.
Checking website addresses before entering login details and avoiding unsolicited downloads can reduce the risk of account compromise. Most social media platforms also provide options to report suspected phishing content, helping to limit its reach.
🚨🚨Alert: If you get a DM like the one below, don’t click on the link or type in any passwords or information. It’s a phishing scam. 😡 pic.twitter.com/nVpsQIrYso
— Marima (@Marima07) February 6, 2026
A False Scandal, A Real Threat
The claims circulating about a gold medallist video scandal linked to the 2026 Winter Olympics are unfounded. The posts form part of a phishing operation that uses Olympic-related content to collect personal information and spread malicious software.
As interest in the Games continues, similar misleading posts are likely to remain visible across social media. For users, recognising how such claims are presented and shared can help reduce the risk of becoming caught up in a scam while following major sporting events.
