As excitement builds for major sporting events in 2026, state officials are warning New Yorkers to slow down and watch for scams.
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection issued an alert urging fans to stay vigilant as scammers target people hoping to attend events like the FIFA World Cup, the Winter Olympics, and Super Bowl LX.
State officials say scammers often take advantage of high demand, limited ticket availability, and higher prices. Common schemes include fake tickets, counterfeit merchandise, phishing emails and texts, bogus travel deals, fake giveaways, and fraudulent streaming websites designed to steal personal information or money.
“World-wide sporting events not only attract fans looking to have a good time while enjoying their favorite sport, but they also attract scammers looking for unsuspecting avid fans willing to pay higher prices,” Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said. He added that the shift to digital ticketing has fueled an increase in online scams, phishing attempts, and fake merchandise ads.
The Division of Consumer Protection recommends buying tickets only from official sources or verified resale platforms and avoiding sellers who request payment outside those systems. Officials also urge consumers to closely examine website addresses, watch for unusual spellings in URLs, and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
Fans are encouraged to protect themselves by using strong passwords for ticketing apps, enabling two-factor authentication, and paying with credit cards, which often offer better fraud protection. Officials warn against paying with gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps when dealing with unfamiliar sellers.
The state also cautions against fake merchandise stores and unofficial streaming sites that may sell counterfeit goods or install malware. Consumers should stick to official retailers, broadcasters, and well-known streaming services.
Officials say public Wi-Fi networks near venues can also pose risks. Sports fans should avoid logging into sensitive accounts or making purchases on unsecured networks and consider using mobile data or a virtual private network instead.
New Yorkers who believe they’ve been targeted by a scam can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission and file complaints with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection.
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