Cybercrime Targeting Athletes Surges Amid World Cup Preparations

• •Athletes face a growing array of cyber threats as sports revenues reach record levels.
• •Fraud schemes now include identity theft, sports betting fraud, and home invasions.
• •High-profile cases highlight the risks of trusting financial advisers and the impact of social media.

Athletes are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals as sports revenues soar and events like the World Cup approach. A report from EY indicates that fraud schemes have evolved, now encompassing identity theft, sports betting fraud, and home invasions. High-profile cases include former manager Ippei Mizuhara, who stole $17 million from Shohei Ohtani, and investment adviser Darryl Cohen, who defrauded NBA players of over $5 million. The rise of social media has also contributed to security risks, as athletes inadvertently expose personal information. As the landscape of threats grows more complex, both athletes and fans are urged to remain vigilant against scams and fraud.