2 big threats to South African rugby fans
The Springboks are set for a titan clash with Ireland at the Rugby World Cup later today, but cybercriminals will be on the hunt for those looking for a last-minute deal.
For those lucky enough to be in France, Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy at KnowBe4 AFRICA, said that some targeted adverts embedded with malicious code might tempt some fans looking for a discounted ticket.
“As fans prepare to enter the digital stadium of ticket sales and streaming sites, it is crucial that they develop a keen sense of discernment,” said Collard.
“Like a skilled player who can spot a fake pass from a mile away, fans must learn to distinguish between genuine ticket vendors and fraudulent websites.”
There is only one official website where fans can buy tickets, but fans can often get caught as the scammer’s website may look like the real thing.
“Not only will they sell you a fake ticket, but they will use the financial information you enter to scam you further,” Collard said.
She added that cybercriminals often hunt for those consumed by emotion and forget to buy tickets early.
“People make mistakes when they are overwhelmed with emotion. You should always check the URL of the website before you enter your details to pay for anything online,” she said.
To stop this from happening, fans should double-check a company’s credentials and the payment portal before giving any personal information, and this can be done through a quick Google search.
Those who become a victim of a scam should contact their bank immediately.
Streaming warning
Moreover, despite the SABC broadcasting all of South Africa’s games, Collard said that those trying to watch a game through a free streaming site would open themselves up to a different threat.
“Many of these supposedly free streaming sites are infested with malware, immediately putting users at risk. Some of these fraudulent sites even ask for your credit card details and personal information under the guise of granting access to the stream, only to provide no stream whatsoever,” Collard said.
With satellite services becoming more expensive, cybercriminals create genuine-looking websites to trick unsuspecting individuals into scams.
“As the Rugby World Cup 2023 charges forward, stay ahead of the game and avoid being tackled by deceptive streaming sites or ticket sale scams. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true and streaming services that promise effortless access but demand excessive personal information,” she said.
“Always verify the legitimacy of websites before clicking on any links. Cybercrime remains at an all-time high, especially in South Africa.”
Read: Rugby World Cup warning for businesses in South Africa
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