With the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing closer and millions of fans preparing to travel, New York officials are warning consumers to be on guard against scams that could cost them money, personal information or both.
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection issued a consumer alert Tuesday outlining common schemes tied to major sporting events, including fake tickets, fraudulent travel packages, phishing attempts, counterfeit merchandise websites and bogus giveaways designed to steal sensitive information.
Officials said global events like the World Cup create ideal conditions for scammers because demand for tickets, lodging and transportation often drives consumers to act quickly without verifying whether offers are legitimate. The agency said scammers frequently create convincing websites, emails and text messages that appear to come from official event organizers or trusted businesses.
One of the biggest risks involves ticket sales. State officials are encouraging consumers to purchase tickets only through official FIFA channels or authorized resale platforms. Fraudsters often advertise nonexistent tickets through social media, online marketplaces and fake websites, sometimes providing counterfeit confirmation emails, screenshots or barcodes to appear legitimate.
Consumers are also being warned about phishing scams, which often increase around major events. Fraudulent emails, texts and phone calls may promise prize winnings, discounted tickets, travel deals or exclusive access to matches while attempting to collect passwords, financial information or other personal data. Officials recommend avoiding suspicious links and verifying the source of any communication before providing information.
The state is also urging fans to carefully vet ticket resellers before making purchases. Legitimate sellers should provide clear contact information, including a physical address and phone number. Consumers should verify ticket details and be cautious of requests to make payments outside official ticketing platforms.
Travel-related scams are another concern as visitors begin making plans for matches in the United States. Officials said scammers frequently create fake hotel websites, fraudulent booking services and travel packages that take advantage of increased demand. Consumers are encouraged to compare prices, research providers and be skeptical of offers that seem significantly cheaper than market rates.
The Division of Consumer Protection also recommends paying with a credit card whenever possible. Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protections and dispute resolution options than debit cards, payment apps, gift cards or cash, which are often preferred by scammers because transactions can be difficult or impossible to reverse.
Transportation scams may also target fans traveling to matches at MetLife Stadium, one of the tournament’s host venues. Officials warned consumers to purchase transportation tickets only through official providers and to be wary of heavily discounted offers circulating online or through social media.
The consumer alert comes as organizers prepare for one of the largest sporting events in the world, which is expected to attract millions of visitors and generate significant economic activity across host regions. State officials said taking a few extra minutes to verify sellers, websites and travel providers can help fans avoid becoming victims while planning their World Cup experience.
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