Indian Fans At Risk Of Cyber Fraudsters During 2026 FIFA World Cup With Fake Free Streaming Apps

Last Updated:June 11, 2026, 22:17 IST

Kerala Police warn of cyber fraud via fake OTT apps offering free FIFA World Cup 2026 streaming, urging downloads only from official stores and caution with app permissions

Kerala Police on Thursday warned of cyber fraud targeting football fans through fake OTT apps that claim to offer free access to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on social media.

In a statement, the State Police Media Centre said the fraud starts with attractive advertisements such as “FIFA World Cup Live Free", “1000+ TV Channels Free", and “Premium OTT Content Free" on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

These advertisements share fake application download links that mimic official apps, using names such as HZ TV, OPEN TV, NB TV, MAX TV, XM TV, and TUBI TV, the statement said.

After installing these applications, users are prompted to accept software updates, activate subscriptions, and enable various services.

Once users agree, the app obtains permissions such as Accessibility Service, Screen Overlay, and Notification Access.

This undermines the phone’s security, allowing fraudsters to access various applications without the owner’s knowledge or consent, the police said.

The fraudsters then gain control of the phone and illegally withdraw money from users’ bank accounts through UPI applications, it added.

Police Issue Warning

In its advisory, the police warned the public against installing application files obtained through social media to watch FIFA World Cup matches and urged users to download apps only from official platforms such as Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The police also advised people not to trust promises of free access made in social media advertisements and to avoid apps that request permissions such as Accessibility Service, Install Unknown Apps, or Screen Control.

Additionally, the public was urged to check security settings while using banking and UPI apps and not to forward suspicious links to family members and friends.

“In case of cyber financial fraud, immediately file a complaint on the cyber helpline number 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal," the police said.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin on June 11 and end on July 19.

About the Author

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for over a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket conten...Read More

News sports football Indian Fans At Risk Of Cyber Fraudsters During 2026 FIFA World Cup With Fake Free Streaming Apps

Read More