Around 19,000 Internet addresses for 2026 World Cup abused for online fraud
Criminals registered thousands of domains linked to the 2026 football World Cup to deceive users. Perpetrators are also increasingly deploying AI-powered methods.
Around 19,000 Internet addresses for 2026 World Cup abused for online fraud
IT security companies and authorities are raising the alarm: In the run-up to the 2026 football World Cup, fraudsters have registered massive numbers of web addresses to deceive internet users. According to the firm Intel 471, around 19,000 domains connected to the tournament have been created since January. These are primarily used to offer counterfeit tickets, non-existent hotel reservations or fake visa services.
The costs for purported visa assistance range between €6,000 and €20,000. Streaming applications that allegedly show World Cup matches also contain malware in some cases, according to ThaiCERT. These steal FIFA account data and banking information.
Beyond the sporting event, criminals are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence technologies. The service Ask Silver discovered fake websites in ChatGPT search results that posed as well-known British retail chains. Microsoft Threat Intelligence reports attacks in which perpetrators pose as AI providers such as ChatGPT or Copilot. One operation sent approximately 100,000 fraudulent messages daily to recipients in Switzerland, Austria and South Africa to obtain card payment data.
A recently released FBI report illustrates the scale: Worldwide, internet crime caused damages of €19.3 billion in 2025. Fraud involving digital currencies accounted for €10.5 billion of that – an increase of 22 per cent compared to the previous year. People aged 60 and over lost €7.1 billion. Forgeries created using AI, such as manipulated voices or images, cost victims approximately €825 million.
Source: Börse Express
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)