With the FIFA World Cup kicking off today, phishing and social engineering scams are likely to increase, taking advantage of the excitement and urgency surrounding major events. Messages offering free streaming, discounted tickets, betting bonuses, or cryptocurrency opportunities may appear legitimate—especially when shared through social media platforms—but should be treated as suspicious by default.

Attackers often use last-minute messages before kickoff to pressure users into acting quickly. Visiting sites that claim to offer “free” streaming or require a special player download can lead to immediate compromise of your device or credentials.

If you receive a concerning message or link, do not click or download anything—report it using the Phish Alert Button (see the Information Services SharePoint site at www.crowder.edu/sharepoint). If you do click something and become concerned, call the HelpDesk immediately at 417.455.5712 (or email help@crowder.edu if you cannot call).