Norton Warns Football Fans Of Digital Scams Ahead Of The 2026 Games In North America

Cybersecurity experts guide fans on how to protect themselves from online fraud and scams during the global football tournament next year

In 2026, 48 football teams from around the world, including the All Whites, will compete in 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The opening match will take place on June 11 next year, kicking off a tournament expected to attract billions of viewers worldwide. Along with the sporting excitement, cybercriminals are also likely to try to exploit public attention.

Ticket sales started on 1 October 2025, Norton, a global cybersecurity leader and part of Gen warns that major international events often provide fertile ground for digital scams, taking advantage of fans’ excitement and urgency in searching for tickets, information, and promotions related to the championship.

“The All Whites have qualified for the games, and cybercriminals are gearing up to take advantage of fans that are planning trips and looking for deals. When fans are caught up in the excitement of major sporting events, scammers see it as the perfect moment to exploit their vulnerabilities,” explains Mark Gorrie, Managing Director APAC for Gen Digital. “During the football games in North America, scams may take many forms, from counterfeit tickets sites and fake promotions to fraudulent travel booking schemes.”

According to Norton specialists, the main risks include:

· SEO poisoning – malicious websites attempting to rank among the top search results related to the sports event, aiming to attract clicks, steal sensitive data, or convince users to download malware onto their devices.

· Fraudulent social media accounts – fake accounts offering promotions, tickets, or exclusive content that seem “too good to be true,” but in reality direct users to scams.

· Online contest scams – fake contests promising prizes for participation, but designed to collect users’ sensitive data.

· Illegal ticket sales – schemes exploiting “fear of missing out” (FOMO), offering non-existent or counterfeit tickets.

· Phishing and malware campaigns – emails and ads posing as tournament news that direct victims to dangerous downloads.

· Travel booking scams – cybercriminals often create fake travel agencies, fraudulent booking websites, or advertisements offering unbelievable deals. These scams lead to financial loss, stolen personal or payment information, and even fake reservations for flights, hotels, or rental cars. Travelers may also be exposed to risks once they reach their destination, including compromised devices through public Wi-Fi networks or fraudulent accommodation listing.

“Scammers often succeed in moments of excitement, navigating people into making rushed decisions by showing amazing, but fake, offers in exchange for money and personal information. Fans must remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is,” said Gorrie.

Norton’s tips to protect against online scams during the world’s biggest football spectacle:

· Carefully check URLs before clicking on search results or promotions. Cybercriminals often create fake websites that mimic legitimate ones to trick users into providing sensitive information or downloading malware. Before clicking on any link, hover your mouse over it to preview the full URL. Look for subtle red flags, such as misspellings (e.g., "amaz0n.com" instead of "amazon.com"), extra characters, or unfamiliar domain extensions.

· Be cautious with online interactions and purchases. Do not trust tickets sold outside official channels, and avoid buying through social media, WhatsApp groups, or suspicious links. Only download apps from official stores and ensure that any URL starts with “https://” and belongs to the official domain, since fake pages often contain spelling errors or strange addresses. Stay alert to calls, messages, or emails from unknown senders, especially those requesting confidential information, “urgent” payments, or containing links related to purchases you did not make or accounts you do not own.

· Be wary of printed tickets or QR codes. These formats can be easily copied. To avoid scams, rather opt for digital tickets and ensure transfers can only be done through official platforms. Purchasing printed or PDF tickets carries risks, especially when resale or transfer is restricted by the event organiser.

· Never transfer money to personal accounts. Unverified resellers often offer attractive prices in exchange for payments through unofficial platforms or direct bank transfers. If someone asks you to pay outside the official platform, be suspicious. Only authorised channels guarantee valid tickets.

· Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible and use strong, unique passwords or a password manager to protect your accounts.

· Protect your connection and devices when buying tickets. An antivirus software can help identify scams that may go unnoticed even by vigilant users. Norton 360 provides valuable insights to avoid scams, prevent account theft, and manage passwords, increasing security and its VPN can also ensure your connection is secure when making purchases, increasing overall safety.

· Report if you are a victim. If you detect an attempted fraud or have been scammed, immediately contact the official ticketing company and file a report with the relevant local authorities.

With these measures, fans can enjoy the world’s biggest football spectacle more safely, reducing the risk of falling for digital traps.

About Norton

Norton is a global cybersecurity leader and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to promoting digital freedom with a portfolio of trusted consumer brands. Norton provides millions of individuals and families with award-winning protection for devices, online privacy, and identity. Its products and services are certified by independent testing organizations such as AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs. Norton is also a founding member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware. More information at www.norton.com.

© Scoop Media