The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has issued a warning about a rise in online scams targeting football fans ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. According to the department, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the growing demand for match tickets, hospitality packages, merchandise, streaming access, and betting opportunities by creating fake FIFA websites and social media advertisements that closely mimic official platforms.
Authorities said fraudsters are designing convincing ticketing and checkout pages that resemble legitimate FIFA services in an attempt to steal login credentials, personal information, credit card details, and payments from unsuspecting users.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents about World Cup-related online scams targeting fans looking for tickets, hospitality packages, merchandise, streaming access, and betting opportunities.
Cybercriminals are creating fake FIFA websites and social… pic.twitter.com/788jSqIwCR
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) June 3, 2026
Fake FIFA Websites & Social Media Scams
According to LASD, scammers are using sponsored advertisements, social media posts, text messages, and messaging platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp to direct users to fraudulent websites. These sites are designed to look authentic and often use urgent or discounted offers to pressure fans into making purchases quickly.
The department urged supporters to access FIFA’s official website directly by typing the web address into their browser rather than relying on links shared through advertisements or online messages.
Authorities Warn Against Cryptocurrency Payments
LASD highlighted cryptocurrency as one of the most commonly requested payment methods used by fraudsters. Officials advised consumers to avoid purchasing tickets or related products from sellers demanding payment through:
- Cryptocurrency
- Wire transfers
- Gift cards
- Peer-to-peer payment applications
- Other difficult-to-reverse payment methods
According to authorities, cryptocurrency transactions are particularly risky because they are difficult to trace and recover once funds have been transferred.
Fake Tickets & Forged Confirmations
The department also warned fans against trusting screenshots, PDF confirmations, or paper tickets offered by private sellers online. Officials noted that these documents can be easily forged and may not provide legitimate entry to matches or events.
Supporters are encouraged to verify all purchases through official FIFA channels and remain cautious of offers that appear unusually cheap or create artificial urgency.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Approaching
The warning comes ahead of the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With millions of fans expected to travel and purchase tickets, authorities anticipate increased attempts by cybercriminals to exploit demand surrounding the tournament.
Separately, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently warned football clubs that partnerships with unauthorized cryptocurrency firms and trading platforms could expose organizations to legal, financial, and reputational risks.
What to do if You Become a Victim
LASD advises anyone who believes they have been targeted by a World Cup-related scam to:
- Contact local law enforcement immediately
- Notify their bank or credit card provider
- Preserve transaction records, emails, and screenshots
- File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Authorities say early reporting can help investigations and improve the chances of limiting further fraud activity during the tournament.
