As the Paris Olympics are set to begin this weekend, threat actors are attempting to exploit the situation for their own gain. They have initiated fraudulent activities aimed at profiting from tickets and products related to the event.
With approximately 15.3 million visitors expected in Paris, scammers are taking advantage of the excitement and enthusiasm of numerous tourists in a foreign environment. They are attempting to steal personal and banking information through various fake deals and services that are “too good to be true.”
Paris Olympics Scams: 48GB Mobile Data Scam
Researchers have observed various types of scams involving fake mobile plans promising 48 GB of free internet to visiting tourists. Victims who fall for this scam may find themselves unable to obtain even a single free megabyte after signing up and filling out the required forms.
These forms typically collect phone numbers, personal information, and banking details to steal money from bank accounts. Tourists, preoccupied with watching Olympic events, may be too distracted to notice the potential theft until it is too late.
Given that a 40 GB mobile data plan in France costs around €11 (approximately $12), such offers remain quite implausible. Victims who are successfully scammed may risk losing not only their money but also their personal information.
Ticketing and Merchandise Scams
Scammers have also targeted Olympic ticket and merchandise sales. Fake ticketing websites offer a range of events, from archery to badminton, while requesting personal data and consent to collect information. Several phishing websites have been observed claiming to sell Olympic merchandise at attractive prices but are actually attempting to steal money and personal information.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, researchers recommend using the official Olympics website for ticket purchases and being cautious of suspicious sites such as strangers[.]ope, which offers cheap merchandise like keychains, commemorative coins, magnets, and scarves at significantly discounted prices. These sites often appear legitimate, featuring integrated pop-ups that request visitor consent to collect personal data and use web-tracking cookies. Additionally, they typically link to their own “privacy policies,” which can inadvertently lead unsuspecting victims to share sensitive information with scammers.
