Brazil faces spike in AI-driven scams linked to Copa 2026

A surge in fraud tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has hit Brazil. A NordVPN study found that 34% of Brazilian internet users reported exposure to Copa‑related scams in 2024‑2025, compared with 19% during the 2022 cycle. Consumer‑protection agency Procon‑SP logged 238 complaints between March and May 2026 (19 in March, 63 in April and 156 in May), covering fake tickets, illegal betting, counterfeit merchandise and falsified sticker‑album offers.

Criminals now use generative artificial‑intelligence tools to produce professional‑looking websites, deep‑fake images and personalized phishing messages within hours. Leaked personal data such as CPFs, emails and purchase history are added to increase credibility. The instant, irreversible nature of the Central Bank’s Pix payment system makes it the preferred method for receiving illicit funds, hampering recovery. Social platforms—Instagram (51%), WhatsApp (48%), Facebook (35%) and TikTok (26%)—serve as the main entry points. Experts, including Marcelo Souza of anti‑fraud firm Certta, warn that companies must accelerate rule updates to keep pace with the rapidly evolving tactics.