Source: Federal Trade Commission
Excitement is reaching a fever pitch as the United States, Mexico, and Canada get ready to welcome thousands of fans for one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet — the FIFA World Cup! While die-hard fans are preparing to support their countrymen, scammers are looking to take advantage of the rush for tickets. Learn how to make your World Cup experience scam free.
What to know about buying tickets
FIFA’s random selection draw closed in January, but any remaining tickets will be for sale through FIFA.com/tickets and the FIFA app. Resale tickets are also for sale on FIFA’s Resale/Exchange Marketplace and on third-party resale platforms.
If you’re considering buying from a third-party reseller, check out their policies to see what buyer protections or guarantees they offer. Look for answers to questions like:
- How will I get my tickets?
- When will I get my tickets?
- If something goes wrong with my tickets, will they help me get replacement tickets or give me a refund?
How to avoid a scam
Watch for copycat websites. Fraudsters use paid search results or social media to drive you to their scam websites. These hucksters may advertise fake tickets or sell the same seat to many people — an offense that definitely deserves a red card!
Remember that most tickets will be delivered electronically through the FIFA app. Someone selling paper tickets or a screenshot is likely a scammer.
If you’re a foreign traveler visiting the U.S., know where to get your travel documents. Scammers create websites that look like the U.S. State Department website and say they can help you get a visa, passport, or other travel documents. But they may charge high fees — or make you pay for services that are free. Check visa requirements on the official U.S. State Department website and learn to spot ESTA scams. And if you already bought tickets, consider using the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System to expedite your visa interview.