Kaspersky’s cybersecurity team has identified different Super Bowl scams targeting football fans ahead of the big game on Sunday.
In an email shared with VPNOverview on Thursday, Kaspersky outlined various Super Bowl scams, like fake merchandise stores, fake streaming sites, and online betting scams.
Super Bowl Scams
According to Kaspersky, cybercriminals are deploying phishing websites that imitate reputable sports merchandise stores, like NFL Shop and Fanatics. This doesn’t only put football fans at risk of not only losing their money but also unwittingly divulging their banking details to fraudsters.
Kaspersky advised fans to purchase only from official websites and carefully check the authenticity of web addresses when shopping online.
With the rise of event-themed cryptocurrencies, Kaspersky experts also warned of the emergence of Super Bowl-related “tokens,” which are often “short-lived” and could be part of scam operations.
The cybersecurity company warned fans to “be wary of unfamiliar sites that try to sell you something, and never share your cryptocurrency wallet details like passwords and seed words,” Kaspersky said.
A record 114 million people tuned in to watch Super Bowl LVII in 2023, and many will be tuning in to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. A good portion of these viewers will be hoping to watch Super Bowl LVIII for free.
Kaspersky warned fans to be wary of fake streaming websites designed to steal users’ banking details under the guise of offering free access to the Super Bowl broadcast.
“These sites offer users the chance to register to access Super Bowl game broadcasts for free. Yet they demand bank details to prove the customer is not a robot,” Kaspersky’s press release said.
To prevent such scams, Kaspersky researchers recommend only using trusted and verified streaming or cable services or watching the Super Bowl via legal, free, over-the-air broadcasts.
Kaspersky also warned football fans to be cautious of online betting scams.
“New Kaspersky survey data found that 16% of consumers in the US and Canada use online sports betting. While only 2% of those people have encountered a betting-related scam, those who did often had their experience ruined,” the company said.
How to Spot Scam Websites
Threat actors are known to exploit the excitement around major sporting events to launch fraudulent schemes. Ahead of the 2023-24 NFL season, Tomás Maldonado, the league’s chief information security officer, highlighted AI-enabled deepfakes and phishing attacks as top threats to the NFL.
Here are some pointers to help you spot scam websites and stay safe online:
Check twice, buy once: Before you click “purchase” on that must-have piece of merchandise, take a moment to look at the URL. If it doesn’t match the official retailer’s address or lacks the HTTPS security protocol, back away. Legitimate shops will always use secure, encrypted connections to protect your data.
The crypto conundrum: Crypto offers tied to big events can be tempting, but they can also be traps. If you come across a new Super Bowl-themed token, tread carefully. Real investment opportunities don’t need the hype of a one-time event to be worthwhile. And remember, any legitimate crypto exchange will never ask for your private login details.
Streaming or scheming?: Everyone loves a free stream, but if a website asks for your credit card details just to prove you’re human, they’re probably playing you. Genuine streaming services might require a subscription, but they won’t ask for payment information to access a free broadcast. Always opt for known services, even if it means watching at a friend’s house or your local sports bar. Check out our guide to watching the NFL for free for trusted streaming sites.
For more safety tips, read our comprehensive article on how to avoid online scams.
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