Major events like the World Cup bring energy, excitement—and, unfortunately, new opportunities for fraud. Counterfeit tickets, fake lodging listings, phishing websites, and payment scams often increase around large international events as scammers look to take advantage of eager fans.
Scammers tend to follow the moments when emotions run high. Taking a moment to verify before making a purchase can help protect both your money and your peace of mind.
The good news? A few simple steps can help you stay protected so you can focus on enjoying the experience while staying on your path to financial peace of mind. Verifying sources, using secure payment methods, and slowing down before making purchases can go a long way toward protecting your money and personal information.
Buy Tickets Safely
One of the most common scams surrounding major events is fake or duplicate tickets. These are usually sold through social media, private messages, or unofficial resale channels that won’t work at entry.
Here’ s how to help protect yourself:
- Purchase tickets through official sources like com, the official FIFA app, or authorized resale platforms
- Use credit cards when possible for added fraud protection
- Avoid sellers requesting wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or off- platform payments
- Be wary of high-pressure tactics like “limited time only” and “act now” offers
Taking a moment to verify before you buy can help you avoid unnecessary stress later.
Verify Lodging and Travel Plans
Travel and lodging scams are also common during large events. Fraudsters may create fake rental listings, clone legitimate properties, or build convincingly fake booking websites to collect payments and personal data.
Before you book:
- Stick with reputable travel and booking websites
- Keep all payments within trusted booking platforms
- Review cancellation and refund policies carefully
- Be cautious of listings with limited reviews or unusually low prices
A little extra diligence up front helps ensure your plans stay on track.
Stay Smart with QR Codes and Payments
Scammers are always trying to find new ways to target travelers using technology. Scammers may place fake QR code stickers and install skimmers on card readers near major venues to capture credentials or install malware.
To help reduce risk:
- Inspect QR codes and payment terminals before using them
- Disable automatic QR scanning on your device
- Use contactless or mobile wallet payments when possible
- Keep your devices updated with the latest security software
Small habits like these can make a big difference in protecting your personal and financial information.
Protect Your Phone in Public Spaces
Your phone holds a lot of personal information, so a few quick settings can help reduce risk in crowded places.
To stay safer on the go:
- Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use
- Disable AirDrop (or Android’s nearby sharing) in public
- Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi
- Consider RFID-blocking wallets or card sleeves
Quick adjustments like these can help keep your information secure while you’re out enjoying the experience.
Keep an Eye Out for Other Red Flags
- Fake merchandise and phishing sites. Low prices, poor site design, misspellings, and unusual payment requests are red flags. Look for https and clear contact information.
- Labor exploitation tied to event demand. Short term job offers promising high pay can be a vector for labor trafficking. Warning signs include recruiter fees, rapid withdrawals after deposits, and many workers linked to the same contact details.
When something feels off, trust your instincts and take a step back.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
If you believe you’ve encountered a scam, acting quickly can help limit the impact:
- Contact your card issuer right away to dispute unauthorized charges
- Save screenshots, receipts, and any communication
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and local authorities
Enjoy the Moment, Safely
As major events continue to draw global attention, staying aware, verifying before you act, and using secure payment methods can better protect what matters most. If you receive a suspicious request involving your money or financial accounts, pause and verify before taking action.
At CommunityAmerica, we’re here to support you every step of the way—helping you protect your money and stay on your path to financial peace of mind.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. You can always reach out to us at [email protected] or call 800.892.7957 for guidance.
