A recent scam has emerged, utilizing the excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup to deceive online users. Fraudsters are promoting the pre-sale of the official album on social media, falsely claiming it is available for purchase. When users click on the ads, they are redirected to a counterfeit website designed to resemble the official Panini site, complete with false promotional messages and countdown timers. Users are misled into believing they are securing a special deal, only to find themselves on a bogus platform.

Panini Brasil has issued a warning stating that this is indeed a scam and clarified that the official pre-sale of the World Cup album will only commence in April. The initiative has drawn attention due to the sophisticated nature of the fake website, which imitates the authentic Panini environment. Customers are being tricked into paying between R$ 97 and R$ 199 for a product that is not actually available for sale, highlighting the ongoing threats faced by consumers in the digital space.

With complaints surfacing on consumer protection websites like Reclame Aqui, the incident emphasizes the need for vigilance when navigating online shopping claims. As fraudulent activities in the digital marketplace grow more complex, authorities and organizations like Panini are working to educate and protect consumers from falling prey to such scams, particularly as major events like the World Cup generate significant interest and lucrative opportunities for fraudsters.