Beware World Cup scammers, officials say
· Toronto Sun
Officials are warning Canadians and incoming visitors about fraud related to the upcoming World Cup , hosted by Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
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The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and police, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver, say scammers may target people looking for tickets and accommodations — including fake tickets, short-term rentals and counterfeit goods. Telltale signs include people being asked to send payments in full before arrival, and steeply discounted products that could be of low quality. Verify any rental with multiple sources, and buy from official FIFA vendors, police say, adding that any suspicious activity should be reported to them.
This year’s World Cup starts June 11. Toronto and Vancouver will feature heavily during the tournament, with those cities hosting six and seven matches, respectively.
They’re already scamming
World Cup-related scams are already underway, anti-fraud and immigration experts told the CBC . Analysts said social media posts based out of India and Pakistan make untrue claims about entering the country for the tournament — including a common one that claims visitors entering Canada on a visa for the World Cup can stay for the long-term.
That particular scam is based on a temporary policy that exempted FIFA-related foreign nationals from needing the usual government approvals to work in Canada. There is no special visa for the World Cup and travellers must leave the country once their visa is up, Calgary-based immigration consultant Lidher told the CBC.
Another scam offers an application package for 150,000 Indian rupees (around $2,220) that includes “embassy fees, match tickets, biometrics and consultancy fees.”
“ They are preying on vulnerable people who lack the knowledge or who don’t go online and check the official requirements,” Calgary-based immigration consultant Mandeep Lidher told the CBC.