Kaspersky has identified several cyber scams 2026 targeting fans of the Winter Olympic Games, including fake ticket sales, counterfeit merchandise and fraudulent streaming services. The cybersecurity company said attackers are exploiting the global sporting event to harvest payment information and steal financial data from unsuspecting sports enthusiasts.
Fake Ticket Schemes Target Sports Fans
Scammers are creating phishing websites that mimic official ticket sellers to steal payment information from fans attempting to purchase event access. Official sources confirmed that tickets are sold exclusively through the authorized Olympics platform. Third-party brokers and resale sites operating outside official channels are fraudulent, according to the announcement.
The fake ticket websites use convincing designs to appear legitimate. Victims enter their payment details expecting to receive valid tickets, but instead lose their money and expose their financial information to criminals.
Counterfeit Merchandise Traps
Attackers have launched multiple counterfeit online shops selling fake Olympic merchandise, including clothing, souvenirs and event-specific collectibles. These fraudulent stores use official logos, post convincing product photos and fabricate positive reviews to appear legitimate to potential buyers.
Customers who purchase from these sites either receive nothing or have their card details stolen for subsequent fraud. The scammers specifically target fans rushing to buy authentic competition items during the heightened interest period.
Fraudulent Streaming Services
Deceptive websites imitating legitimate broadcasters promise cheap, exclusive or free access to winter competition events. Users who input card details expecting instant access to events like snowboard cross and curling finals instead lose their money and expose financial data. Some victims are redirected to additional scam pages when they attempt to play content.
“While global competitions bring together people from different countries for the ultimate sports festival, they also draw fraudsters eager to cash in on the hype. The best defense for sports fans is to pause, double-check every source and stick strictly to official, trusted channels before entering any personal or payment information.”
Anton Yatsenko, Web Content Expert at Kaspersky
Protection Measures for Sports Fans
Kaspersky recommends purchasing tickets exclusively from official channels and avoiding third-party sellers. Fans should verify all purchases through the official competition website. For streaming access, users should stick to legitimate services and trusted broadcasters, checking for HTTPS security and verified reviews.
The company advises caution with merchandise vendors, particularly those offering heavily discounted competition-branded items from unknown shops. Buyers should only purchase from confirmed official stores or partner retailers. Users should avoid clicking on unsolicited emails, social media posts or ads offering free tickets or special giveaways.
Kaspersky Premium actively blocks dangerous websites, phishing attempts, malicious ads and card-skimming scripts in real time. The company, founded in 1997, has protected over one billion devices from cyberthreats and serves nearly 200,000 corporate clients globally.
