With the Paris Olympics just weeks away, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has warned of a significant uptick in scams targeting sports enthusiasts. Fraudsters are exploiting the excitement surrounding the global sporting event to steal personal information and money.
The Olympic Committee has already issued a warning about fake ticket offers, and Kaspersky’s data confirms a surge in phishing websites mirroring this trend. These fraudulent sites promise exclusive or sold-out tickets at inflated prices, enticing users to share personal details and payment information.
Beyond ticket scams, Kaspersky experts have uncovered a range of fraudulent schemes capitalising on the Olympic hype. These include fake giveaways, counterfeit merchandise stores, and phishing attempts disguised as free data offers. In one instance, a fake French bank website was used to lure employees into handing over login credentials.
“The sheer volume of offers surrounding major events like the Olympics creates a perfect storm for scammers,” said Anton Yatsenko, a security expert at Kaspersky. “People are often eager to secure tickets or merchandise, and this urgency can cloud judgement. It’s essential to approach every offer with scepticism.”
To protect themselves from Olympic-related scams, Kaspersky advises the public to:
-Verify authenticity: Only purchase tickets, merchandise, or services from official and reputable sources.
-Be sceptical of deals: Avoid falling for deep discounts or exclusive offers from unknown sources.
-Secure your data: Protect personal and financial information by only sharing it on secure websites.
-Use security software: Keep antivirus and security software up-to-date to guard against malware and phishing attacks.
-Educate yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics and how to recognise them.
As the Olympics approach, Kaspersky urges sports fans to remain vigilant and protect themselves from becoming victims of these fraudulent activities.
