World Cup Crypto Scams Emerge Ahead of 2026 Tournament

Crypto scammers are already seeding ticketing, betting, and meme-coin schemes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to a report from TRM Labs.

The firm identified four addresses tied to three live operations, though receipts so far remain small. One Polygon ticket scam address received $1,562, mostly on April 1, 2026.

TRM warned that scammers are using familiar tactics, including fake payment flows, exchange accounts, and cross-chain swaps. The firm noted that the amounts received so far are small, but it framed the activity as early-stage scam infrastructure rather than a finished campaign.