You can't be too careful: learn how to identify and combat fraud during the Olympics

With the widespread excitement that the Olympic Games are generating around the world, it's time to prepare for another type of competition: the fight against online fraud. The Olympic Games are also an ideal opportunity for cybercriminals to take advantage of this heightened enthusiasm in order to spread misinformation and carry out scams.

But don’t worry — you can protect yourself by learning how to identify the top five online scams that are likely to take over the sports world during this time.

1. Ticket scams

Be careful when buying tickets online. Fake websites may offer tempting prices, when in fact they're traps to steal both your money and personal data.

How to protect yourself:

• Only buy tickets from authorized official websites;

• Be wary of very tempting offers;

• Avoid buying tickets from third parties, especially on social networks.
  

2. Fake sponsors and partners

Criminals impersonate official Olympic partners and sponsors to send fraudulent emails, messages or ads. Their goal? To steal your data, install malware, or get you to buy counterfeit products.

How to protect yourself:

• Do not click on links or open any attachments contained in suspicious messages;

• Visit the official websites of the Olympics and their sponsors to confirm that the information is correct;

• Be wary of deals and offers that seem too good to be true.
  

3. Fraudulent giveaways and lotteries

Promises of prizes such as trips, tickets or official products can be bait. In fact, these giveaways and lotteries are just scams to collect your data or direct you to a malicious website.

How to protect yourself:

• Don't take part in contests that you don't know or that appear suspicious;

• Never enter your personal or bank details on any sweepstakes sites;

• Confirm the authenticity of the competition on the official Olympics website.
  

4. Counterfeit products

Official Olympic products such as clothing, souvenirs and accessories can be counterfeited and sold at lower prices. But be careful: These items may be of poor quality, contain hazardous materials, or even be stolen.

How to protect yourself:

• Only purchase products from official stores or authorized retailers;

• Check that the product has an original label and seal of authenticity;

• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, and products without a reliable or verifiable source;

• Avoid buying from suspicious websites.
  

5. Fraudulent broadcasts

Criminals may offer online broadcasts of the Olympics at really low prices or even for free. But once you try to watch the events, you may be directed to malicious websites or sites that charge you improperly.

How to protect yourself:

• Only watch the Olympics on official and authorized platforms;

• Don't click on banners or ads that promise access to broadcasts;

• Don't trust websites that ask for personal or bank details to watch.
  

Real example of fraud in the Olympics

At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, cybercriminals created a fake website that posed as the official ticketing website. Thousands of people fell victim to the scam and ended up losing money and personal data.

Remember: The best way to protect yourself from online fraud is to be vigilant. If you receive a suspicious email, message, or advertisement, avoid interacting with it by making sure to not click on any links, open any attachments, or share personal information.