As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup, fans around the world rush to buy jerseys, scarves, and team merchandise to support their favorite teams.
Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of major sporting events like this by creating fake merchandise stores and online scams targeting eager fans.
Before you buy your World Cup gear online, here’s what to watch for.
Common World Cup Merch Scams
Fake online stores
Scammers create websites that look like legitimate sports retailers, advertising “official” World Cup merchandise at extremely low prices. After payment is made, the item either never arrives or turns out to be a low-quality counterfeit.
Social media ads for discounted jerseys
Fraudulent ads on social platforms may promote “limited-time deals” or heavily discounted team jerseys. These ads often link to fake stores designed to steal payment or personal information.
Impersonating official retailers
Some scam websites falsely claim to be official partners or authorized sellers connected to the FIFA in order to appear trustworthy.
Red Flags to Watch For
Before buying World Cup merchandise online, keep an eye out for:
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Unfamiliar website domains
- Stores with no reviews or contact information
- Limited payment options like wire transfers or cryptocurrency
How to Stay Safe
- Buy from official retailers or trusted sports stores
- Double-check website URLs before entering payment details
- Research sellers before making a purchase
- Be cautious of aggressive “limited-time” deals
Major global events often attract scammers looking to take advantage of fans’ excitement. Staying informed and verifying sellers can help you avoid losing money or personal information.
CyberFlex shares resources and scam alerts to help people stay safer online.
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