Xiaomi has just given a global launch to two of its latest flagship phones, the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra, along with a Leica-branded Leitzphone edition of the Ultra. There’s no sign, however, of the 17 Pro, which launched in China with an additional display mounted next to the rear cameras.
Technology
How sneaky scammers are using AI to get you to buy fake Super Bowl tickets
If you’re one of the lucky fans who managed to get tickets to the Super Bowl, congratulations. You’re in for a thrilling experience. But if you’re still looking for tickets and are tempted by offers on social media platforms, beware. You might end up with a fake ticket and a lot of disappointment.
Counterfeit tickets are a serious issue that affects many major events, especially the Super Bowl. According to members of the intelligence team at managed intelligence company Nisos, scammers are actively seeking victims who are hoping to get last-minute tickets to the Super Bowl, often preying on their desperation and the scarcity of tickets to take advantage of them.
Nisos has been compiling a data dive on counterfeit Super Bowl tickets for this Sunday’s big game and has uncovered some alarming findings.
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NFL footballs and Lombardi Trophy (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What are the new tactics scammers are using to trick you into buying counterfeit Super Bowl tickets?
Scam tactic No. 1 — Using image editing software
One of the most common ways that scammers create fake tickets is by using image editing software to generate documents mimicking legitimate tickets, such as receipts. They may also use stolen or forged barcodes or QR codes to make the tickets look more authentic. Nisos found several instances of such fake tickets being advertised on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and X.
SERIAL FOOTBALL TICKET SCAMMER FUGITIVE WITH VICTIMS NATIONWIDE CAPTURED IN GEORGIA
Nisos found several instances of such fake tickets being advertised on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and X. The one below was posted on X.
Fake Super Bowl ticket ad on social media (Nisos)
MORE: THE MOST TALKED-ABOUT SUPER BOWL ADS OF 2024
Scam tactic No. 2 — Leveraging automation and AI
Another technique that scammers use is to leverage automation and potentially artificial intelligence in order to identify and target victims based on language used in posts. For example, Nisos received responses from scammers within less than a minute after including typical buzzwords and hashtags used by people wanting to buy tickets, such as #SuperBowl, #SuperBowlTickets or #LookingForTickets. These responses often contained links to other platforms, such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Cash App, where the scammers would try to finalize the deal.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
#SuperBowlTickets (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: HOW TO SCORE GREAT DEAL ON TV BEFORE SUPER BOWL
Scam tactic No. 3 — Avoiding detection by using cross-platforms
Scammers also use cross-platform operations to evade detection and bans by social media platforms. They will identify and initiate communications with you on one social media platform before requesting you switch to another. This is likely in an attempt to prevent one social media platform from gaining full insight into the fraudulent activity and banning the accounts.
Nisos observed that scammers often used multiple accounts on different platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, X, WhatsApp, Telegram, Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle, to conduct their scams.
MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM VENMO, ZELLE, CASH APP SCAM THAT CAN WIPE OUT YOUR SAVINGS IN SECONDS
Scam tactic No. 4 — Offering massive discounts
Finally, scammers may offer massive discounts for soon-occurring events, such as the Super Bowl, to entice you to buy quickly. They may state they just want to sell the tickets “last minute” to justify large, attractive discounts, such as 50% off or more. The discussion below started after Niso analysts put out a public post for Super Bowl tickets and the scammers engaged through DMs.
They may also claim to have a personal or professional reason for not being able to attend the event, such as a family emergency or a work conflict. Nisos found that scammers often used these excuses to pressure victims into making hasty decisions and transferring money without verifying the tickets.
MORE: HOW TO AVOID BEING VICTIM OF THIS SNEAKY FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE SCAM
How counterfeit ticket scammers use compromised and fake accounts to evade detection
One of the challenges of identifying and tracking the scammers behind counterfeit ticket scams is that they often use compromised social media accounts to carry out their operations. These accounts may belong to real people who have had their accounts hacked or stolen by the scammers, or to fake personas created by the scammers using stolen or fabricated personal information. Nisos identified multiple instances when the account’s username, display name, and names on their associated payment accounts were all attributed to separate individuals.
Scammers may also use identity fraud to create or access bank accounts and payment applications that they use to receive money from victims. They may use stolen or forged identification documents, such as driver’s licenses, passports, or social security cards, to open or verify these accounts. Nisos found that scammers often used different names and identities on different platforms, making it difficult to trace the money flow and the real identities of the scammers.
MORE: HOW CASH PAYMENT APP SCAMS ARE SWINDLING MONEY
How can you protect yourself from counterfeit ticket scams?
The best way to protect yourself from counterfeit ticket scams is to be vigilant and cautious when buying tickets online, especially through social media platforms. Here are seven tips that can help you spot and avoid potential scams:
1. Beware of scammers using social engineering techniques. For example, they may encourage you to transfer money immediately as they allegedly have other prospective buyers. They may also use emotional appeals, such as sympathy, guilt, or urgency, to manipulate you into making a decision. Nisos found that scammers often used these tactics to pressure victims into paying before verifying the tickets.
2. Be wary of individuals showing receipts or proof of purchase. This is not a guarantee that an individual is in possession of a ticket, and it can be easily faked. Nisos found several examples of fake receipts that scammers used to convince victims that they had bought the tickets from legitimate sources, such as Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek.
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3. Exercise caution when interacting with individuals asking for you to “name your price” or are selling below ticket value. This may be a sign that they are trying to lure you into a scam with a too-good-to-be-true offer. Nisos found that scammers often used this strategy to attract victims who were looking for cheap or affordable tickets.
4. Be cautious when interacting with people claiming to sell tickets on behalf of a friend or family member. This may provide an excuse for scammers using compromised bank accounts with the account holder’s name different from the social media account being used. Nisos found that scammers often used this pretext to explain the discrepancy between the names on the accounts.
5. Review the account’s recent history, as some scammers may claim to be selling tickets to multiple high-profile events, such as sports games, music concerts, and conferences at one time. This may indicate that they are running a large-scale scam operation and are not genuine sellers. Nisos found that scammers often posted multiple ads for different events on the same or different platforms, using the same or similar images and descriptions.
6. Exercise caution and validate ownership even when purchasing items from friends or friends of friends on social media. Nisos identified multiple instances when a family member or friend’s account was compromised and used by a scammer. Friends of the victim vouched for the account user as a legitimate seller, not realizing the account had been hacked.
SCAM ALERT: THAT PARKING TICKET MIGHT NOT BE REAL
7. Our No. 1 tip to avoid becoming a victim of purchasing counterfeit tickets is to avoid buying tickets through social media platforms. This exposes you to a high risk of getting scammed by counterfeit tickets and losing your money and your chance to enjoy the Super Bowl.
Instead, purchase tickets through official and reputable sources, such as the NFL, Ticketmaster, StubHub or SeatGeek. These platforms have security measures and guarantees that protect you from fraud and ensure that the tickets are authentic and valid.
Super Bowl tickets being sold on a legitimate site (StubHub)
MORE: HOW TO GET YOUR TV GAME-READY FOR THE SUPER BOWL
Kurt’s key takeaways
Counterfeit ticket scams are a serious and prevalent problem that affects many fans who want to attend the Super Bowl. Scammers use various tactics and techniques to create fake tickets, target and deceive victims and evade detection and attribution. You can protect yourself from these scams by being vigilant and cautious when buying tickets online, especially through social media platforms. The best way to avoid getting scammed by counterfeit tickets is to buy tickets through official and reputable sources, such as the NFL, Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek. By following these tips, you can ensure that you get to enjoy the Super Bowl safely and securely without falling victim to crooks.
What do you think social media platforms and authorities can do more to prevent and combat counterfeit ticket scams? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Polymarket has been allowing people to bet on when the US would strike Iran next. Obviously, now that it’s actually happened and people have died, the prediction betting market is feeling some pressure. The site has been at the center of controversy before, including suspicions of insider trading on the Super Bowl halftime show and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement posted on its site, Polymarket defended its decision to allow betting on the potential start of a war, saying that it was an “invaluable” source of news and answers, before taking shots at traditional media and Elon Musk’s X. The statement reads:
…
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Google has officially discontinued its Dark Web Report feature, a free tool that once scanned known dark web breach dumps for personal information tied to a user’s Google account. The service delivered notifications when email addresses and other identifiers appeared in leaked datasets.
According to Google’s support page, the system ceased scanning for new dark web data Jan. 15, 2026, and the reporting function was removed entirely on Feb. 16, 2026, meaning users can no longer access the feature.
The company said the decision reflects a shift toward security tools it believes provide clearer guidance after exposure, rather than standalone scan alerts.
If you previously relied on the free dark web scan as an early warning signal for leaked data, this change removes one of your sources.
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Google officially ended its Dark Web Report tool, removing free breach alerts tied to user accounts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
So what did users really lose?
Google’s Dark Web Report acted as a basic exposure scanner. It checked whether personal information linked to a Google account had surfaced in known breach collections circulating on the dark web.
When a match is found, users receive a notification identifying which type of data appeared in a leak. Depending on the data breach, that could include an email address, phone number, date of birth or other identifying details commonly harvested during large-scale hacks.
The report did not display stolen credentials or provide access to the leaked database itself. It also did not trace the origin of the compromise beyond referencing the breached service when available.
After an alert was issued, the next steps were left to the user. Google recommended actions such as changing passwords, enabling stronger authentication methods and reviewing account security settings. With the tool now removed, that automated breach check tied directly to a Google account is no longer available.
What you still have access to
Google directs users to its Security Checkup, a dashboard that scans your account for weak settings and unusual sign-in activity.
Its built-in Password Manager includes Password Checkup, which scans saved credentials against known breach databases and prompts you to change exposed passwords. Google also supports passkeys and two-factor verification to lock down account access.
The Results About You tool lets users search for personal information in Google Search and submit removal requests for certain publicly indexed details.
149 MILLION PASSWORDS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE CREDENTIAL LEAK
Without the automatic scan, users must now check for leaked data using other security tools. (iStock)
Alerts don’t always mean protection
Once personal information is compromised, it often ends up far beyond the breach itself. Stolen credentials and identity data are regularly trafficked on underground platforms where buyers can search for information tied to real people.
The BidenCash dark web marketplace was taken down by U.S. authorities in June 2025, and the Justice Department confirmed that the platform peddled stolen personal information and credit card data.
These illicit markets operate with a level of organization not unlike legitimate online stores. Search tools and bulk data sets are up for grabs and can be used to target any online account. This makes credential stuffing easier, where attackers test leaked passwords across multiple services in hopes of barreling into your account.
A breach alert tied to a dark web scan points to a leak at one moment in time; it does not follow whether that information has been sold to third parties or used in subsequent fraud attempts. For everyday users, this means that just knowing your data appeared in a leak doesn’t help much.
THINK YOUR NEW YEAR’S PRIVACY RESET WORKED? THINK AGAIN
Stolen personal information can circulate for years, making ongoing monitoring more important than a one-time alert. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Identity monitoring may be a better option
With Google’s scan gone, some people may consider dedicated identity protection services instead. Many of these services offer continuous monitoring of your personally identifiable information and send alerts about changes to your credit reports from all three major U.S. credit bureaus. That can include notifications about new inquiries, newly opened accounts and monthly credit score updates. Some plans also monitor a broader range of personal identifiers, such as driver’s license numbers, passport numbers and email addresses.
Beyond credit monitoring, certain services track linked bank, credit card and investment accounts for unusual activity. They may also monitor public records for changes to addresses or property titles and alert you if your information appears in those filings.
Many providers include identity theft insurance to help cover eligible out-of-pocket recovery costs. Coverage limits vary by plan and provider. Additional features often include spam call and message protection, a password manager, a virtual private network (VPN) and antivirus software.
No service can prevent every form of identity theft. However, ongoing monitoring and recovery support can make it easier to respond quickly if your information is misused.
See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Google’s decision to drop its Dark Web Report may seem small. But it removes a tool many users relied on. For some, those alerts were the first warning that their data appeared in a breach. That automatic scan is now gone. Google still offers Security Checkup, Password Checkup, passkeys and two-step verification. However, none of them actively scan dark web breach dumps for you. Stolen data does not disappear. Criminals copy, sell and reuse it. One alert shows a single moment. Ongoing identity theft monitoring helps you stay aware over time.
Now that Google has dropped its dark web monitoring feature, will you actively check your data exposure or assume someone else is watching it for you? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Related Article
The 17 and 17 Ultra will apparently be available soon in the UK, Europe, and select other markets. The 17 — pitched as a rival to the likes of the iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 — will cost £899 / €999 (about $1,200), while the larger and more capable Ultra starts from £1,299 / €1,499 ($1,750). The limited-edition Leitzphone will be substantially more expensive at £1,699 / €1,999 ($2,300), though it includes 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, along with a few extra accessories.
The 17 is an extremely capable small-ish flagship, with a 6.3-inch OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and large 6,330mAh silicon-carbon battery (though sadly smaller than the 7,000mAh version launched in China). I won’t be writing a full review of the 17, but did spend a week using it as my main phone, and found that the battery cruised past the full-day mark, though wasn’t quite enough for two full days of my typical usage. That’s far better battery life than you’d find in similarly sized phones from Apple, Samsung, or Google.
The cameras impress too, with 50-megapixel sensors behind each of the four lenses, selfie included. Pound for pound, you won’t find many better camera systems in any phone this size.
1/10
The Ultra, unsurprisingly, takes things to another level. It’s much larger, with a 6.9-inch display, and weighs a hefty 218g. Despite that, the 6,000mAh is actually smaller, though I found it delivered pretty similar longevity.
The enormous camera is, as ever for Xiaomi’s Ultra phones, the highlight. There are 50-megapixel sensors for each of the main, ultrawide, and selfie cameras, with a large 1-inch-type sensor behind the primary lens. The periscope telephoto is even more impressive: 200-megapixel resolution, a large 1/1.4-inch sensor, and continuous optical zoom from 3.2x to 4.3x, the equivalent of 75-100mm. Xiaomi isn’t the first to pull off a true zoom phone — Sony’s Xperia 1 IV got there first in 2022 — but the telephoto camera here is far more capable than that phone’s, with natural bokeh and impressive performance even in low light.
The camera capabilities are supported by Xiaomi’s ongoing photography partner Leica, but it’s the pair’s Leitzphone that really emphasizes that. Slightly redesigned from the 17 Ultra Leica Edition that was released in China last December, this includes Leica branding across the hardware and software, a range of Leica filters and shooting styles, and a rotatable rear camera ring that can be used to control the zoom. It’s the first Leica Leitzphone produced by Xiaomi — after a trio of Japan-only Sharp models — and comes with additional branded accessories, including a case with a lens cap and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Xiaomi has plenty of other announcements alongside the 17 series phones at MWC this year, including a super-slim magnetic power bank, the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro tablets, and a smart tag that supports both Google and Apple’s tech-tracking networks.
Photography by Dominic Preston / The Verge
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