The 2024 summer Olympics in Paris, France, is from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, August 11. While the event offers great excitement, scammers seek to take advantage of interest in this major international sporting event. Digital security expert Norton warns people to watch out for Olympic-related scams. They share some startling facts.
Rising Olympic-related scams
- Scam attacks increased by over 280% during the last summer games.
- Scam attacks increased by over 238% during the last winter games.
- The major source of scams come in the form of emails, media posts, and websites.
- Scammers pretend to offer tickets, merchandise, or other such Olympic memorabilia.
- Scammers may create fake look-alike Olympic websites.
There are ways in which people can protect themselves from becoming victims of Olympic scams.
Computer smarts
- To protect your computer, frequently update it, use antivirus software, and regularly back up your data.
- Use strong and unique passwords that you frequently change. Avoid using the same passwords for your accounts.
- Guard your passwords and do not share them with others.
- Be cautious and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments – unless you know with certainty that they are safe.
- When making purchases, only use personal Wi-Fi and avoid making purchases using public Wi-Fi.
Important don’ts
- If a website looks suspicious or contains misspellings, it is likely a fake. Exit the site and don’t do business there.
- To minimize risk, don’t order Olympic merchandise through email or text solicitations from strangers.
- Don’t rely on trust. When making purchases, be selective. Stick to official websites to buy tickets and Olympic merchandise.
- Don’t be gullible. To verify Olympic partners, check the official Olympic website to see who is authorized to sell tickets and official merchandise.
- Don’t buy paper tickets. Note that all tickets for Olympic events are digital. Anyone offering tickets in paper form is a scammer.
- Scammers use contests to gain/steal your information. Don’t enter contests that are Olympic-related unless you are 100% certain it is safe to do so.
- Don’t use your debit card for online purchases. Rather use a credit card not attached to your checking or savings account.
- Alternatively, when possible, use a virtual (temporary) credit card for online purchases. You may request one through your online account with your bank.
Important dos
- When searching on the internet, do type carefully to avoid being redirected to fake look-alike websites.
- Do order merchandise from established companies you know through their official websites that you looked up yourself.
- If you are unsure of a company’s authenticity, you may separately do your homework by researching the company. Check to see if they are Better Business Bureau accredited, visit the review platform Reddit Trustpilot, search the company name and the word scam, and check the company’s social media page.
- Do remember that if offers sound too good to be true, they are likely scams.
- Do understand that no real company will ever ask you to pay by wire transfer or untraceable gift cards. These are obvious signs of scams.
Olympic fun
The Olympic season is an exciting time for the over 200 nations participating. Spectators enjoy getting in on the action by attending Olympic events or by purchasing merchandise such as Olympic game apparel, pin badges, mugs, keychains, tote bags and more. However, with so many scams out there, it’s important to be careful with whom you choose to do business. Additionally, by taking wise precautions, such as those suggested above, folks can do their best to stay scam-free.
Reporting scams
Report scams to the FTC online, or by phone at 1-800-382- 4357 (9:00 am – 8:00 pm ET). Also, if you are a victim of an Olympic scam, and you face threats or have lost money, report the incident promptly to the local police.