Meta has taken steps to combat a rise in scams related to the FIFA World Cup after new research found a spike in scams related to the tournament across its platforms.
The study, by Bitdefender, said Australian football fans are among the primary targets of a surge in cybercriminal activity tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026. Cybercriminals are tricking supporters into buying counterfeit merchandise, clicking on malicious ads, handing over personal and passport details, and engaging with fraudulent FIFA-themed lottery and giveaway campaigns.
Researchers identified more than 55 football-related scam advertising campaigns operating on Facebook and Instagram, as part of a global malvertising ecosystem that spans email inboxes, fake online stores, illegal streaming services and fraudulent mobile apps.
A significant portion of the scam activity centres around fake football merchandise and counterfeit collectibles, such as scam ads promoting “official” FIFA World Cup kits, Panini sticker albums, and limited-edition collector bundles, many of which are using AI-generated product imagery, countdown timers and urgency tactics such as “Limited stock” and “Selling out fast”.
Buyers who complete transactions are likely to receive poor-quality goods shipped from overseas, face lengthy delivery delays, or find it impossible to obtain a refund.
Bitdefender also uncovered a series of email scam campaigns impersonating official FIFA bodies, including the FIFA Legal and Compliance Division and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organising Committee, falsely claiming recipients had won prizes of up to $2 million through FIFA lottery or promotional draws.
Meta’s response
Meta said that it was taking steps to combat scams, reduce abuse, and protect fans and players throughout the tournament.
Meta said that when people search for terms related to FIFA World Cup tickets on Facebook or visit related Groups, its apps will provide messages to remind them of what to look out for before buying tickets and how to raise the flag of suspicious content or accounts.
Meta is working with the FIFA’s official payment partner Visa to proactively disrupt cross-channel fraud.
The tech company is also working with anti-fraud authorities in Canada and Mexico to combat the problem.
Meta also has tools to prevent players, teams and officials from receiving abuse on its platforms.
