SWFL.io - Local NewsAnchor: Mayzie Olson
•6/15/2026
MIAMI, Fla. (WINK) — The FIFA World Cup is well underway, and with so many games in Miami, there is a new scam warning for anyone trying to get a front-row seat to the field.
The FBI and FTC are warning about fake FIFA ticket sites, which can be hard to spot.
John Haraburda, the Director of Product Management at Transaction Network Services (TSA), says scammers are using artificial intelligence to paste fake logos and images onto blank websites to steal your information.
A new scam surfacing sends a text message with a link right to your phone, claiming you still have FIFA tickets in your shopping cart and that you need to finish your purchase, even if you never tried buying tickets in the first place.
Once someone clicks the link, their personal data falls into the hands of scammers, who can sell it on the dark web.
Experts say those looking to buy tickets to a game should never buy from any website other than FIFA.com
The best way to avoid scams is to type in the URL yourself, rather than clicking on ads, texts or links on social media.
AI has become a vital tool for scammers, adding a new layer of sophistication to their scams.
"They can set up these websites, they can generate traffic," said Haraburda. "There are companies that will sell them numbers to make phone calls out and generate the activity, whether it's on text or voice call. And again, they tag 100 customers, as long as they get one who pays them for the money they need to commit the fraud and keep it going. The problem is the fraud exists because it works."
Haraburda also says to never pay using crypto, Venmo, Zelle, wire transfer, or gift cards. It's nearly impossible to get your money back.
Instead, use credit cards for fraud protection and chargeback rights.
Be suspicious of threatening "pay now or lose the seat" language and any deals that seem too cheap.
Real tickets are delivered through the FIFA app, never through paper tickets, screenshots, or emailed QR codes.
Here is the schedule for the World Cup matches happening in Miami:
June 15, 2026: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay (Group Stage)
June 21, 2026: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde (Group Stage)
June 24, 2026: Brazil vs. Scotland (Group Stage)
June 27, 2026: Portugal vs. Colombia (Group Stage)
July 3, 2026: Round of 32 (1J vs. 2H)
July 11, 2026: Quarter-final Match
July 18, 2026: Bronze Final (Third Place)