NordVPN research shows that 34% of Brazilians have already had contact with fraud involving fake bets and tickets
On the eve of , a parallel market that follows major sporting events gains strength: that of digital scams. On social media, messaging apps and even betting sites, criminals exploit the passion for football to commit fraud. Survey of , released on March 24, 2026, shows that 34% of Brazilians have already had contact with some type of scam linked to football in recent years. Among the most common are false bets on illegal bets (75%), selling fake tickets (65%) and selling counterfeit products (57%).
The data reveal a pattern that tends to intensify during periods of great sports mobilization. During the 2022 World Cup, 19% of Brazilians said they had encountered football-related scams. Now, with expectations surrounding the 2026 edition, digital security experts warn of an escalation of this type of crime.
According to NordVPN cybersecurity expert Adrianus Warmenhoven, criminals take advantage of the public’s emotional involvement with sport.
“Football scams work because they are based on emotion and urgency. When people are excited about a match, looking for tickets, looking for betting tips or trying to find a last-minute broadcast, they are much more likely to act first and check later.”he stated.
MOST USED PLATFORMS
Fraud today is mainly concentrated on platforms popular with fans. Instagram appears as the main channel for spreading scams, cited by 51% of respondents, followed by WhatsApp (48%), Facebook (35%) and TikTok (26%).
The survey also shows that 11% of Brazilians have already lost money in sports-related scams. Among victims, the most frequent losses range from R$251 to R$500. In many cases, criminals approach the same users again after a successful first fraud: 58% said they had been the target of this type of scam 4 times or more.
EMOTION INVOLVED
In addition to the financial loss, research shows that emotional factors play an important role in fraud involving illegal bets. Among those interviewed who fell for scams, the most reported feelings were frustration (36%), excitement (36%) and stress (27%).
Illegal sports betting appears to be one of the main focuses of criminals. Among those interviewed who had contact with this type of fraud, 53% reported scams involving false tips with the promise of guaranteed profits. Another 50% cited fake offers for betting on football matches, while 43% cited fraudulent bonus promotions that required advance payment.
For experts, the combination of the popularization of online betting, social networks and major sporting events has created a favorable environment for criminal actions involving large-scale illegal betting.
The research also indicates that, although Brazilians demonstrate knowledge of digital risks, they do not always adopt basic protection measures. Around 95% say they use some online security feature, but only 40% use 2-factor authentication, considered one of the most effective tools against hacking and account theft. The use of VPNs, technology that helps protect user browsing and data, is even lower: only 28% said they use this type of resource.
Experts recommend that fans only use official channels to purchase tickets, broadcasts and sports bets, in addition to being wary of promotions with a sense of urgency or promises of easy profits shared on social networks and messaging applications.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The NordVPN survey was carried out from November 3 to 10, 2025, with 1,000 Brazilians aged 18 to 64. The survey used gender, age and location quotas to represent internet users in the country.
