Cricket fans eagerly anticipating the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India may find themselves targeted by ticket phishing scams. While obtaining tickets for this prestigious event may be challenging, it’s essential to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to cybercriminals.
Many fans have been actively seeking World Cup tickets, and scammers have taken advantage of this by sending phishing emails that claim to offer authentic tickets at lower prices. These emails often contain links to websites that closely resemble legitimate ticket sellers like BookMyShow. However, it’s crucial to note that in India, BookMyShow is the only authorized platform for selling World Cup 2023 tickets.
Clicking on such phishing emails can lead to severe cybersecurity threats. Hackers may access personal data stored in your browser, including session tokens, user IDs, and passwords. In some cases, sophisticated cybercriminals can even compromise your company’s accounts if you use an office device.
Amit Relan, Co-Founder and CEO of mFilterIt, an ad fraud prevention company, warned about common cyber threats related to phishing scams. Misleading advertisements and fake accounts often lure users with seemingly irresistible deals, redirecting them to fraudulent websites where they unwittingly provide personal information, falling victim to phishing schemes.
Here are some essential “Do’s and Don’ts” to protect yourself from World Cup 2023 ticket scams:
Do’s:
1. Purchase tickets exclusively from BookMyShow, the official seller in India.
2. Check the sender’s email address for authenticity.
3. Verify offers and deals, especially those that seem too good to be true.
4. Regularly visit the ICC website and official social media handles for legitimate ticket updates.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid clicking on any ticket offers received via email.
2. Be cautious of poorly constructed or misspelled emails.
3. Do not click on suspicious emails or messages on social media.
4. If you suspect a phishing attempt, report it to the India Cybersecurity helpline (1930) and on cybercrime.gov.in.
Protect yourself and fellow cricket enthusiasts by staying informed and vigilant when purchasing World Cup 2023 tickets. Only trust authorized sources to ensure a safe and enjoyable cricket experience.