- Scammers are hard at working trying to separate Olympic Games attendees from their money.
- Kaspersky has detected a number of scams primarily focused on phishing, ahead of next week’s games.
- Even those looking to buy merch should be wary of criminals.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games begin next week Friday and already cybercriminals are taking advantage of folks through a litany of scams.
The IDC has already warned that the 2024 games will be a breeding ground for cybercrime and this week Kaspersky says it has already detected attacks using the event as a lure.
“Kaspersky’s telemetry confirms that fraudsters are actively crafting phishing websites. These sites offer tickets for Olympic competitions at exclusive prices or claim to have seats for sold-out events. This well-tested yet effective fraudulent scheme has resurfaced during many Olympic seasons, and Kaspersky’s experts expect such websites to proliferate during Paris 2024 events,” the cybersecurity firm reports.
These websites coax users into entering their information, including payment information, into a website. The user is then sent fake tickets or none at all and to add insult to injury, their data is sold on the Dark Web.
But Kaspersky has unearthed other, more concerning scams. In one, criminals have set up a page that impersonates a French bank promising employees they can win tickets to the event. Naturally, the details that employees provide can be used to access the bank itself and cause even greater damage. Kaspersky has also uncovered fake merch stores and even sites offering special cellphone plans, likely targeting those travelling to Paris for the event.
“During major events like the Olympics, the sheer volume of offers can be overwhelming and deceptive,” says Anton Yatsenko, security expert at Kaspersky. “Scammers prey on the excitement and urgency people feel, making it crucial to approach every offer with a healthy dose of scepticism. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take the time to verify the authenticity of offers and protect your personal information. Your vigilance can be the difference between enjoying the event and falling victim to a scam.”
With this all in mind, Kaspersky recommends that Olympic fans take the following precautions:
- Verify authenticity: Only purchase tickets, merchandise, or services from official and reputable sources. Check the event’s official website for authorised sellers.
- Be sceptical of deals: Be cautious of deep discounts and exclusive deals, especially if they come from unknown sources.
- Secure your data: Avoid sharing personal and financial information on unfamiliar websites. Ensure the website is secure by looking for “https” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the browser bar.
- Use security software: Keep your antivirus and security software up to date to protect against malware and phishing attacks.
- Educate yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics and how to recognise them. Follow updates from cybersecurity experts and official sources.
