The FIFA World Cup has the attention of the world, including scammers. Is that ticket website real? Take a closer look. There are thousands of fake websites that look like official FIFA ticketing and merchandising sites, designed to trick you and steal your money.

Before you buy FIFA or other tickets online, pay attention to how scammers are trying to trick you. This information can help you be proactive and help protect yourself from online fraud.

Scammer playbook

What attracts scammers to major sporting and entertainment events? They use high demand for tickets and a strong sense of urgency to get us to click on a fake website, links in a phishing email, a fake URL in an online ad, or a completely fake social media post. They look real and can trick you.

It is not just fake websites or phishing emails. Scammers work 24/7 to get us to compromise our data and give them access to our accounts.

Be careful if you see:

• Ticket screenshots online or fake QR codes
• Unverified social media accounts that offer VIP access
• Online ads that direct you to a fake website with misspellings

The Civic fraud team created the following tips to help you stay safe online for any online purchases including FIFA or other major sporting events or concerts.

5 ways to protect yourself from online ticket fraud

• Make purchases from an official ticketing site
• Check for misspellings and verify a website address in an online ad or email before you click
• Beware of websites with no customer service number
• Never buy a ticket on social media
• Use payment methods with fraud protection (like your Civic Credit Card)

If you accidentally click a fraudulent link on a website or online ad, take the following steps immediately:

• If it is a Civic account, report the suspected fraud to the Civic fraud line at 844-772-4842 (if not Civic, contact the appropriate financial institution or vendor)
• Change your online banking password and user ID
• Enable two-factor security (add in MFA as well as MFA/2FA are slightly different)
  • MFA is a security that requires 2 or more proofs of identity to access account
  • 2FA enhances security requiring 2 distinct forms of identification such as password and a mobile code.

The goal is to avoid fraud, but if it happens, the Civic fraud team will work with you to help resolve any possible fraudulent activity on your Civic account.

Details matter most

Remember, you are the first line of defense against online ticket fraud. Paying extra attention to URL addresses and misspellings now can help you avoid fraud so you can enjoy your favorite sporting events and concerts, anytime of the year. [G-O-A-L!]

Learn more about the types of online fraud and how to protect yourself and your financial information.