Crypto scammers exploit World Cup ticket demand, TRM warns

Written by Ezra Reguerrastaff writerReviewed by Bryan O'Sheastaff editorWritten by Ezra Reguerrastaff writerReviewed by Bryan O'Sheastaff editorCrypto scammers exploit World Cup ticket demand, TRM warnsLatest NewsPublishedJun 12, 2026FIFA and the FBI warned of ticket scams as TRM Labs identified World Cup-themed crypto fraud operations tied to multiple wallet addresses.TRM Labs warned that crypto scammers are targeting FIFA World Cup fans through fake ticketing sites, fixed-match betting schemes and event-themed crypto promotions. The blockchain intelligence company said it identified several World Cup-related scam operations, including two fake-ticketing sites and one fixed-match betting pitch tied to four crypto addresses.“Criminals always look to exploit major events and cultural moments and they don’t wait until kickoff,” Ari Redbord, global head of policy at TRM Labs, told Cointelegraph. “Scammers build and position their infrastructure weeks in advance, then scale it the moment public attention peaks.”Redbord told Cointelegraph that the onchain nature of crypto payments allows investigators and compliance teams to act before losses grow.The 2026 World Cup opened on Thursday, with FIFA expecting attendance of about 6.5 million fans throughout the tournament and about $40.9 billion in global gross domestic product impact, creating a large pool of ticketing, travel and betting demand for scammers to target.Impact propagation of the World Cup 2026. Source: FIFAFIFA and FBI warn World Cup fans of fake ticket scamsThe World Cup is being held in Canada, Mexico and the US and is expected to drive a surge in ticketing, travel and betting activity.That concentration of demand has already drawn warnings from authorities. In May, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said threat actors were spoofing FIFA websites ahead of the tournament to collect personal information, sell fake tickets and products and potentially carry out other malicious activity.FBI warns of fa…

Crypto scammers exploit World Cup ticket demand, TRM warns

Related stories

Gary Gensler Backs States in Fight Over Prediction Market Regulation

While bitcoin holds near $63,000, some data points to pain ahead for bulls

LG Electronics Teams With Arbitrum for Blockchain-Based Ad Platform