While you’re cheering on your country, it’s crucial to be aware of the Olympic scams that are resurfacing. During any major global event, you bet scammers will be there. They know that viewing the Summer Olympics in Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and people are more likely to make rash decisions. 

In this blog, we will explore the various types of scams that tend to occur during the Olympics and offer practical advice on how to protect yourself. When you next hear your employees talking about the Olympics, consider sharing one of these tips with them: 

Why during the Olympics?

The anticipation and eagerness to be part of the event and support their country often lead individuals to let their guard down, making them more susceptible to various fraudulent schemes. 

Scammers take advantage of this heightened interest and decreased calm to execute scams. You’ll likely see more social engineering and phishing attacks around this time. Here are some of the biggest scams identified:

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Fake tickets

What happens

Scammers create websites or ads that offer tickets to Olympic events at attractive prices. These sites often look legitimate, mimicking official ticketing platforms with convincing colours, logos, and graphics. 

The fake tickets are hard to spot, and unsuspecting fans, who perhaps couldn’t typically afford normal-priced tickets, purchase these fake tickets, only to realize later that the tickets are invalid or never arrive. 

What to do

Only purchase Olympics tickets from the official Paris Olympics Ticketing website. By going with a verified source, you are guaranteed your tickets and will never be left outside the stadium with fake ones. 

Note that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Fraudulent Merch

What happens

Counterfeit Olympic merchandise is another common scam that takes advantage of excited fans looking for a deal. Fraudulent sellers advertise branded apparel, souvenirs, and memorabilia at discounted prices. You may find these fake pieces in social media or website advertisements, on a fake website, or even in person outside the arena. 

These items are often of poor quality or never delivered, resulting in financial loss and disappointment for the fans. 

What to do

Once again, the best way to avoid fraudulent products and services is to go directly to the source. In this case, go directly to your country’s Olympic site and purchase merchandise there. And if it’s too good to be true…It probably is. 

Sports streaming scam

What happens

Scammers set up fake streaming sites that promise live coverage of Olympic events. Fans who don’t have access to cable television or streaming services attempt to sign up for these sites to watch free streams of their favourite events. 

These sites may ask for a subscription fee or require you to download malicious software. In some cases, they collect personal and financial information under the guise of account creation. Victims may not see charges in their accounts right away but instead notice small charges continuing later in the year. 

What to do

First thing first: Avoid any downloads from any website – Especially ones you haven’t used before. If a streaming site asks you to download something from their website to watch, consider choosing another platform that allows you to watch directly on your browser. 

Secondly, use trusted sources that you have used for sports streaming before. Paying the small fee will be worth it in the long run. 

Fake job advertisements

What happens

With the surge in activities during the Olympics, scammers post fake job offers related to the event. Individuals may see a cool opportunity to make money while supporting their country in the Olympics, but later find out they were deceived. 

These scams often require applicants to pay for training, uniforms, or administrative fees upfront. Once the payment is made, the job offer disappears, along with the scammer.

A commonly reported job scam asks college students to place Olympic stickers on their cars to promote the games. Students would sign up for the job, likely giving their personal information, place the sticker on their car, and the payment would be nowhere to be found. 

What to do

Before applying for or accepting any job, research the employer that is advertising the position. Are there any scams reported about this business? Have any of your peers worked there? Additionally, if you go directly to the source’s website, is it the same domain as what is advertised?

In any situation, never pay up-front for training or uniforms without signing a contract and starting the job. 

The Summer Olympics should be a time of joy and celebration, not stress and financial loss. By staying vigilant and following the tips outlined above, you can protect yourself from common scams and fully enjoy the excitement of the games. Always verify the legitimacy of the source, whether it’s for tickets, merchandise, streaming services, or job offers. 

And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay safe and enjoy the Olympics!