The 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament is halfway done. Most of those who will be attending games in person have already purchased tickets or won them through the lottery that the City of New York, in partnership with the NYNJ Host Committee, raffled off in early June.
Some people, however, have been receiving suspicious offers from scammers who are attempting to use the World Cup excitement to steal personal information and money from enthusiastic fans. Even Mayor Zohran Mamdani has issued a warning to potential fraudsters and businesses engaging in deceptive practices meant to take advantage of fans and travelers. This guide will provide an overview of common scams and how to avoid them.
What are the most common scams and practices?
Fake tickets
To avoid paying for a fake ticket, make sure to use verified and reputable platforms. Do not purchase a ticket from someone you don’t know or from an unknown number. The safest option is to purchase directly from FIFA’s resale marketplace. However, the following are a list of verified resale platforms:
- Stubhub. While not an official FIFA partner, this is a legitimate platform that offers customers buyer protection.
- SeatGeek. A legitimate platform used by millions of people.
- TicketMaster Resale. Another legitimate platform that provides secure transactions with buyer protection.
- Ticombo. This is the most followed reselling platform in Europe. It specializes in fan-to-fan ticket transfers with verified seller protocols and strong buyer protection guarantees. Digital delivery available and all tickets are verified before sale.
Surge Pricing
It is against the law to charge unnecessary or exorbitant fees for services or short-term housing. Research average pricing for events, services, and lodging in the area you wish to stay in. If you receive suspicious charges or suspect that you may have been defrauded, you may file a report to the FTC or to the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
Fake Online Merchandise
Before purchasing anything online, it’s important to verify the website. Check the contact page, verify whether they have customer service information, and read the reviews. Some counterfeit sites mimic official stores to sell fake or nonexistent merchandise so it is important to verify the source of the shop before adding to your cart and buying.
Fake Streaming Websites or Apps
Some scammers may try to steal personal information by sending links to a free streaming service or app that promises to show live games. To avoid these types of scams, it’s best to watch on an official streaming platform. Here is a compiled list of official websites where you can stream games.
Public Wi-Fi Risks
The New York State Department of Consumer Protection advises people to exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi. Because these networks are not protected, scammers sometimes use them to gain access to users’ sensitive information. As a result, they recommend avoiding the following:
- Visiting sensitive websites
- Banking
- Shopping
- Logging into apps on public Wi-Fi
If you can’t afford a ticket, there are still many ways to enjoy the World Cup. If you or someone you know has been a victim of one of these scams, you can file a report to the NYC DCWP or NYS Department of Consumer Protection.
How do I verify resale tickets?
If you have used a legitimate platform to obtain resale World Cup tickets, it is important to verify their authenticity. The New York State Department of Consumer Protection recommends taking the following steps:
- Research the seller and check their reviews. Verify whether they are a licensed ticket reseller.
- Ensure that the seller has a name, address and contact information where you can follow up in case of any questions
- Verify the ticket details: make sure that the date, time, and place of the event match the official game information.
- If everything checks out, consider paying for the resale tickets with a credit card since these generally offer more protection than other payment methods.
