Football is the world’s most popular sport and millions of fans follow their teams closely both in the stadium and via digital channels. This is often done through various websites, streaming and of course our own platforms. Although football is becoming increasingly available online, it has also brought with it an increased risk of fraud attempts. Because when you want access to something with a high level of interest, it can often come at the expense of security.
The eagerness of fans who want access to matches has made the football community an attractive target for scammers and hackers. Norwegian supporters should therefore be extra aware of what digital threats exist and how you can best protect yourself. Fortunately, it is easier than many people think. We’ve taken a closer look at some common scams, as well as how you can protect yourself.
Common scams against football fans
Many of the scams aimed at fans are well camouflaged and can look very credible. Scammers are becoming increasingly cunning and can often impersonate ordinary websites used on a daily basis. Therefore, it is important to know what you may encounter to avoid the traps. Some of the most prevalent are:
- Fake ticket sales: Scammers create websites that look professional but sell invalid or non-existent tickets. They are often marketed in campaigns on social media where you are offered steep discounts or limited-time offers.
- Phishing attacks: Emails or messages that appear to come from official clubs or ticket vendors, but are actually designed to steal usernames and passwords. These often come as newsletters or “offers” tailored to you.
- Illegal streaming services: Many fans are tempted to watch matches via free or “cheap” streaming services, but these sites may contain malware or attempt to collect personal information.
How to protect yourself as a supporter
Fortunately, there are simple measures that can make it safer to follow your favorite team digitally. A lot of it is about having good digital security, as well as digital hygiene before accidents occur. Furthermore, there are some rules and steps that can make it easier to protect yourself online.
Check the legitimacy of websites
Before purchasing tickets or streaming services, you should always ensure that the site is official and safe. Look for HTTPS in the URL and check reviews if you have any doubts. This is a confirmation that the information on the website is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by unauthorized persons.
Use secure payment methods
Always pay with secure solutions and preferably credit cards, which provide extra protection if something should go wrong. Avoid bank transfers to unknown actors. Also, make sure you check websites on which you provide your information. Fake online stores can often be an attempt to steal your credit card information for scammers.
Avoid suspicious links
Be careful about clicking on links in emails or social media. Many phishing attacks disguise themselves as official messages but lead to fake websites. These can often be difficult to catch, so it is important that you are skeptical of senders you do not know before, and check where the links lead.
Keep your devices up to date
Always install the latest updates on mobile, PC, and tablet. Up-to-date software reduces the risk that hackers can exploit known security holes. You may want to enable automatic updates on devices where this is available. Then you are ensured that they always use the latest version of software.
Why security tools are essential
In addition to healthy skepticism, it is wise to use digital tools that increase security. One of the most effective measures is to install a VPN. Then you can protect both your traffic and make sure that no one intercepts the information that you send from your device. Moreover, a VPN is a cost-effective tool that can often provide good protection for the money.
This happens because a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, so that unauthorized people can’t intercept your data, even when you’re using open networks in pubs, airports, or stadiums. It also helps protect personal data and can provide safe access to secure, geo-restricted streaming platforms. For many Norwegian fans, it can therefore be smart to choose the best VPN with a free trial, so you can test the solution before committing.
Summary
The football experience should be about excitement on the pitch – not worrying about fraud and hacking. By being aware of the most common threats, you should shop through trusted channels and use tools such as VPNs, so that you as a supporter can browse more safely. With a few simple steps, you can protect both your personal information and your wallet and spend your time cheering on your team.
