The Super Bowl, a massive event drawing millions of viewers, also attracts cybercriminals eager to exploit excited fans. Let's explore common tactics these criminals use and how to protect yourself.
Phishing and Payment App Scams: Be wary of texts or social media messages seemingly from official payment apps asking you to "confirm" information for ticket upgrades or merchandise. These are often phishing attempts to steal your financial data.
Pay-to-Play Scams: Avoid fake "exclusive raffles" or contests requiring an entry fee for a chance to win tickets or experiences. These scams prey on fans' excitement and fear of missing out. Be especially cautious of fraudulent sports betting apps guaranteeing wins.
Unauthorized Ticket Resellers: Be extremely cautious when buying last-minute tickets. Many online resellers offer deals that are too good to be true, resulting in fans losing significant amounts of money on fake tickets. Scammers often use social media and popular hashtags to target potential victims, luring them to other platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram to complete the fraudulent transaction.
Social Media Scams: Don't fall for social media ads offering free tickets or merchandise in exchange for shipping fees or personal information. These scams often use fake endorsements to appear legitimate. Be wary of requests to switch communication platforms, a tactic used to avoid detection.
Massive Discounts: Be skeptical of extremely large discounts on tickets. Scammers often use last-minute excuses or personal emergencies to pressure buyers into quick purchases without verification.
Staying Safe: To protect yourself, buy tickets only from official sources, be wary of phishing attacks, keep your software and apps updated, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, be cautious with QR codes, and be aware of social engineering tactics like pressure to buy quickly or emotional appeals. Validate ticket ownership and be wary of below-market-value offers. Review seller account history and be cautious of those selling tickets to multiple events. Even when dealing with friends online, verify ticket legitimacy as accounts can be compromised.
