Criminals look to rip off World Cup fans with ticket deceptions and fake giveaways
AUSSIES watching, attending or buying merchandise for the World Cup have been warned about online scammers trying to rip them off and even steal their identity.
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AUSSIE sports fans are about to splurge more than $100 million on the soccer Word Cup as punters get ready to cheer on the Socceroos.
But Aussies watching, attending or buying merchandise for the event have been warned about online scammers trying to rip them off and even steal their identities.
Bookies expect the turnover to be up to seven times more than the Olympic Games and four times more than the Australian Open.
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Tabcorp wagering managing director Adam Rytenskild said the betting giant expected turnover of more than $100 million alone between its TAB and UBET brands, dwarfing the AFL Grand Final, which rakes in about $10 million.
It comes amid warnings over hackers and cyber criminals, with crooks going after people attending or watching at home.
Fans have been urged not to be sucked in by spam about ticket lotteries and giveaways, with cyber criminals posing as World Cup sponsors to try to get personal data.
Supporters have also been urged to only watch broadcasts on official FIFA TV channels or web broadcasts, with some match-streaming services able to infect internet security.
SBS will screen 25 of 64 matches live during the event.
Senior cyber security researcher Noushin Shabab said hackers and criminals would prey on people desperate for tickets to matches but also fans watching online. The Socceroos are $301 outsiders with Brazil the favourite at $5.
“If you’re going to watch the game at home, it’s important you are aware you should watch it on the official website because others may do something malicious to your system,’’ she said.
One TattsBet punter is facing a $150,500 payday if Australia wins, with a $500 bet at odds of $301.
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