The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy have drawn global attention — not just from cheering fans and elite athletes, but from cybercriminals hoping to cash in on excitement and trust. With millions tuning in and many more planning travel, scammers see a window of opportunity to trick unsuspecting supporters out of their money and personal information.
As the event unfolds across Italy, fraudsters are racing to exploit fan enthusiasm with fake offers, bogus services and deceptive websites. Here’s how these scams work — and most importantly, how you can avoid becoming a victim.
1. Fake Olympic Tickets: “Too Good to Be True” Deals
One of the most widespread scams circulating around the Games involves non-existent tickets. Scammers set up fraudulent websites designed to look just like legitimate ticket vendors. In the scramble to secure seats for popular events — especially when supply runs low — eager fans may be tempted by offers that seem official.
Once ticket buyers enter their payment information on these clone sites, the scammers either —
🔹 steal their bank details directly, or
🔹 resell the data on underground markets without ever delivering a real ticket.
Tip: Only purchase Olympic tickets through the official Olympics platform or its authorized partners. Anything else carries a high risk of fraud.
2. Counterfeit Merchandise Stores
Scammers aren’t just targeting tickets — they’re also capitalizing on fans dreaming of Olympic sweaters, jerseys, and collectibles.
Fraudulent online stores use eye-catching photos, official-looking logos, fake praise, and irresistible discounts to lure shoppers. But buyers often find they receive either a low-quality knock-off, or nothing at all — while their payment card data is compromised.
Tip: Always check that merchandise sellers are officially linked with the Olympic Committee or recognized retail partners. Unverified “discount” stores are usually scams.
3. Bogus “Free” Streams and Media Sites
Want to watch the Games from home without a subscription? Scammers know that desire, too.
Bogus streaming sites promising “free” access often require registration — and crucially, credit card information upfront. After fans submit their data, they may be redirected to unrelated advertising sites, or worse, leave themselves open to identity or financial theft.
Tip: Use only verified broadcast partners and official media channels for live streaming. Never enter payment details on untrusted sites.
4. Protect Yourself with Smart Defenses
Scammers succeed by mimicking the real thing — making it hard for busy fans to tell what’s legitimate and what’s not. Kaspersky’s experts recommend a multi-layered approach to digital safety:
- Stick to official ticket and merch sources. Double-check URLs and vendor credentials.
- Use trusted streaming services. If an offer seems “too cheap,” it probably isn’t real.
- Be wary of unsolicited links. Avoid clicking Olympic-themed offers in emails, texts, or social feeds.
- Deploy good security software. Reliable tools can block phishing sites and malicious ads before they load.
Final Word
The Winter Olympic Games are a thrilling moment for sports fans everywhere. But where there’s hype and demand, scammers follow close behind. By staying informed, cautious, and digitally vigilant, you can enjoy the competition — and keep your personal and financial security intact.
