With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off on June 11, scammers are already preparing to target fans eager to participate in the event. Shahak Shalev, global head of scam and AI research at Malwarebytes, highlights several prevalent scams, including fake FIFA cryptocurrency, counterfeit merchandise, and fraudulent ticket sales. Scammers leverage AI to create realistic-looking websites and apps, enticing victims to share sensitive information. Fans are warned to be cautious of new gambling sites, as many are designed to deceive. Shalev advises checking the age of websites and using scam protection tools to avoid falling victim to these schemes. Additionally, counterfeit jerseys and fake ticket offers are common, particularly in social media groups where scammers can easily operate. To protect themselves, fans should remain skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true and report any suspicious activity immediately. The World Cup is a prime opportunity for scammers, making vigilance essential for those looking to enjoy the matches safely.