Mexico's SSPC Issues Fraud Alerts Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

The Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana (SSPC) in Mexico, through its Unit of Intelligence, Cyber Investigation and Technological Operations, has warned the public about heightened risks of counterfeit merchandise during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will draw domestic and international tourists to the official host cities of Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, creating conditions that facilitate informal street vending and online scams.

To curb illegal sales, the SSPC will deploy special security measures, including surveillance within a three‑kilometre radius of stadiums and fan‑fest areas and the installation of citizen‑service modules. Identified risks include unlicensed street vendors, fake “official” products sold on social media, cloned e‑commerce sites, direct‑transfer payment scams and false promotional offers.

The agency advises consumers to purchase only from authorized retailers, be wary of discounts 40‑50% below official prices, verify holograms and official labels, request tax receipts, ensure websites use HTTPS and legitimate domains, avoid direct money transfers to unknown accounts, use payment methods with buyer protection, refrain from downloading unverified apps, monitor bank statements after purchases and report suspicious sales to authorities. Additional guidance is available in the government’s Cyber‑Guide.