TRM Warns of World Cup Crypto Scams Targeting Fans

TRM Labs warned that crypto scammers are targeting FIFA World Cup fans with fake ticketing sites, fixed-match betting schemes and event-themed crypto promotions. The blockchain intelligence firm said it identified several World Cup–related scam operations, including two fake-ticketing sites and one fixed-match betting pitch tied to four crypto addresses.

Ari Redbord, global head of policy at TRM Labs, said, "Criminals always look to exploit major events and cultural moments and they don’t wait until kickoff. Scammers build and position their infrastructure weeks in advance, then scale it the moment public attention peaks." He added that the onchain nature of crypto payments allows investigators and compliance teams to act before losses grow.

The 2026 World Cup opened on Thursday, with FIFA expecting about 6.5 million fans to attend and estimating a $40.9 billion global GDP impact, creating a large pool of ticketing, travel and betting demand for scammers.

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