As excitement builds for the Paris 2024 Olympics, so does the risk of consumer scams targeting eager spectators. Here are some common scams to watch out for:
- Fake Ticket Websites: Sophisticated websites mimic the official Olympic ticketing site and often use keywords like “Paris,” “Olympics,” or “2024” to appear legitimate. Victims pay for tickets that don’t exist, losing both money and the chance to attend events.
- Phishing Scams: Emails appear to come from official Olympic sources and redirect recipients to fake websites designed to steal personal information, such as passwords and credit card details.
- Fake Streaming Websites: Fraudulent websites claiming to stream the Olympic games may trick people into sharing their personal data. These websites use suspicious domain names and ask users to input their credit card information, claiming it won’t be charged. The scammers use this information to make fraudulent online purchases and potentially distribute or sell it on the dark web.
- Unauthorized Streaming Services: NBCUniversal has announced all 2024 Olympics events will be officially streamed live on Peacock. Scammers may create unauthorized streaming services to mimic Peacock and offer unbelievable deals or claim to provide exclusive content to lure in victims.
To protect yourself from these scams, only use trusted sources to stream or make purchases related to the Olympics. Be wary of any service asking for personal information or credit card details, and always check the legitimacy of a website before making purchases.
Remain vigilant and use trusted sources to protect against scams. Stay tuned, stay safe, and enjoy the games!
If you have questions, contact us by submitting a ticket though the ITS service portal (service.drake.edu/its) or by calling the Support Center at 515-271-3001.
— Chris Mielke, ITS