According to the GNR, criminal networks are increasingly using sophisticated online fraud schemes to obtain illicit financial gains, steal personal and banking information, as well as infect devices with malware, and authorities expect these activities to intensify as the competition progresses.

This warning comes amid a sharp rise in FIFA-themed websites, as more than 13,000 domains were registered worldwide between January and May of this year, with approximately 8.8 percent of these identified as malicious or suspicious.

Criminal Tactics

The GNR said fraudsters typically rely on three tactics, such as creating a false sense of urgency and convincing victims must act immediately to secure an exclusive opportunity, impersonating legitimate organisations through convincing websites, emails and social media content, as well as attempting to obtain money or sensitive personal and financial information through difficult-to-trace payment methods or fraudulent data collection forms.

In recent weeks, as digital transactions linked to the World Cup have increased, the GNR identified a recurring pattern of criminal activity involving counterfeit collectables, fraudulent ticket sales and fake official merchandise.

Authorities have already recorded six reports of fraud related to the purchase of FIFA World Cup 2026 stickers and collectables, with these scams being carried out through fraudulent websites and social media platforms, demonstrating that the threat is active even before the tournament has fully begun.

How to Stay Safe

In order to reduce the risk of becoming a victim, the GNR recommends that consumers avoid clicking links in unsolicited FIFA-related emails, never enter card details on suspicious platforms, refrain from installing software recommended by streaming websites, and avoid sending identity documents to betting platforms, as well as ignore WhatsApp messages advertising FIFA promotions.

The force also stressed that anyone who falls victim to a scam should report the incident to their local police station, and authorities say public reporting is essential for monitoring emerging threats as well as reinforcing efforts to combat online fraud.