Recently, false announcements promoting a 'pre-sale' for the official album of the 2026 World Cup have been shared extensively on social media platforms owned by Meta. These ads, which began circulating on February 14, claim that the album is available for pre-order with a limited-time promotion, urging users to act fast to secure their purchase. However, these claims are misleading and are part of a scam.

The advertisements feature enticing images of the product and suggest that potential buyers can be among the first to obtain the album, with calls to action that direct users to an illegitimate site mimicking the well-known Panini brand. This fake site preys on users' anticipation for the World Cup, using familiar branding to convince them that they are making a legitimate purchase. The website even employs tactics like countdown timers to create a false sense of urgency, encouraging hurried decisions without verification.

This kind of scam highlights the vulnerability of consumers in the digital age, particularly regarding high-demand products related to major events like the World Cup. It serves as a cautionary reminder for users to conduct thorough research and ensure the authenticity of promotional offers they encounter online, especially when they appear too good to be true.