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How sneaky scammers are using AI to get you to buy fake Super Bowl tickets

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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)

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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

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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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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Microsoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs

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Microsoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs

Microsoft Edge is adding a new feature that will allow its Copilot AI chatbot to gather information from all of your open tabs. When you start a conversation with Copilot, you can ask the chatbot questions about what’s in your tabs, compare the products you’re looking at, summarize your open articles, and more.

In its announcement, Microsoft says you can “select which experiences you want or leave off the ones you don’t.” The company is retiring Copilot Mode as well, which could similarly draw information from your tabs but offered some agentic features, like the ability to book a reservation on your behalf. Microsoft has since folded these agentic capabilities into its “Browse with Copilot” tool.

Several other AI features are coming to Edge, including an AI-powered “Study and Learn” mode that can turn the article you’re looking at into a study session or interactive quiz. There’s a new tool that turns your tabs into AI-powered podcasts as well, similar to what you’d find on NotebookLM, and an AI writing assistant that will pop up when you start entering text on a webpage.

You can also give Copilot permission to access your browsing history to provide more “relevant, high-quality answers,” according to Microsoft. Copilot in Edge on desktop and mobile will come with “long-term memory” as well, which can tailor its responses based on your previous conversations. And, when you open up a new tab, you’ll see a redesigned page that combines chat, search, and web navigation, along with the Journeys feature, which uses AI to organize your browsing history into categories that you can revisit.

Meanwhile, an update to Edge’s mobile app will allow you to share your screen with Copilot and talk through the questions about what you’re seeing. Microsoft says you’ll see “clear visual cues” when Copilot is active, “so you know when it’s taking an action, helping, listening, or viewing.”

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Apple’s $250M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash?

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Apple’s 0M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash?

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If you bought a newer iPhone because Apple made Siri sound like it was about to become your personal artificial intelligence sidekick, you may want to pay attention.

Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims that it misled customers about new Apple Intelligence and Siri features. The case centers on the iPhone 16 launch and certain iPhone 15 models that were marketed as ready for Apple’s next wave of AI. The settlement still needs court approval, and Apple denies wrongdoing.

The lawsuit argues that Apple promoted a smarter, more personal Siri before those features were actually available. For some buyers, that was a big deal. A new iPhone can cost hundreds of dollars, and many people upgrade only when they think they are getting something meaningfully new.

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WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETS

U.S. buyers of certain iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models may qualify for payments if a judge approves Apple’s proposed settlement. (Getty Images)

What Apple is accused of promising

Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024 and promoted it as a major step forward for iPhone, iPad and Mac. A key part of that pitch was a more personalized Siri that could understand context, work across apps and help with everyday tasks in a more useful way.

The lawsuit claims Apple’s marketing made consumers believe those advanced Siri features would arrive with the iPhone 16 or soon after. Instead, buyers received phones that had some Apple Intelligence tools, but not the full Siri overhaul that many expected.

That gap is the heart of the case. Plaintiffs say customers bought or upgraded devices based on AI features that were not ready. Apple says it has rolled out many Apple Intelligence features and settled the case, so it can stay focused on its products. 

How much money could iPhone owners get?

The proposed settlement creates a $250 million fund. Eligible customers who file approved claims are expected to receive at least $25 per eligible device. That amount could rise to as much as $95 per device, depending on how many people file claims and other settlement factors.

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That means this will not be a huge payday for most people. Still, if you bought one of the covered phones, it may be worth watching for a claim notice. A few minutes of paperwork could put some money back in your pocket.

Which iPhones may qualify?

The proposed settlement covers U.S. buyers who purchased any iPhone 16 model, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.

Covered iPhone 16 models include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e. The settlement also includes the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but not every iPhone 15 model.

The key details are the device model, the purchase date and whether the phone was bought in the United States.

HOW YOU CAN GET A SLICE OF APPLE’S $250M IPHONE SETTLEMENT

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Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle claims it misled customers about Apple Intelligence and Siri features on newer iPhones. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg)

How will you file a claim?

You do not need to do anything immediately. The settlement still needs a judge’s approval. Once the claims process opens, eligible customers are expected to receive a notice by email or mail with instructions on how to file through a settlement website.

That notice matters because scammers love moments like this. A real settlement notice should not ask for your Apple ID password, bank login or payment to claim your money. If you receive a message about this settlement, do not click blindly. Go slowly, check the sender and look for the official settlement administrator details once they are available.

Why this case matters beyond one Siri feature

This case hits a bigger nerve. Tech companies are racing to sell AI as the next must-have feature. That creates a problem for shoppers. You are often asked to buy now based on what a company says will arrive later.

That can be frustrating when the feature is the reason you upgraded. A smarter Siri sounds useful. A phone that can understand your personal context, search across apps and help with daily tasks could save time. But if those tools are delayed, limited or missing, the value of the upgrade changes.

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This settlement also sends a message about AI marketing. Companies can talk about future features, but consumers need clear timing and plain explanations. “Coming soon” can mean very different things when you are spending $800, $1,000 or more.

We reached out to Apple for comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.

FIRST 15 THINGS TO DO OR TRY FIRST WHEN YOU GET A NEW IPHONE

Apple denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle claims tied to its marketing of Apple Intelligence and Siri features. (Qilai Shen/Bloomberg)

What this means to you

If you bought a covered iPhone during the settlement period, keep an eye on your email and regular mail. You may qualify for a payment if the court approves the deal.

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You should also keep your receipt or proof of purchase if you have it. Your Apple purchase history, carrier account or retailer receipt may help if the claim process asks for details.

More broadly, this is a reminder to treat AI features like any other big tech promise. Before you upgrade, ask one simple question: Can the feature do what is being advertised today, or is the company asking me to wait?

That question can save you from buying a device for a future feature that may arrive much later than expected.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Apple has built its brand on making technology feel polished, personal and easy to use. That is why this Siri settlement hits a nerve. People were buying phones they use every day for texts, photos, directions, reminders and everything in between. Many expected AI to make those everyday tasks easier, which is why the delay felt frustrating. The proposed payout may be modest, but the bigger issue is trust. When a company sells AI as a reason to upgrade, customers deserve to know what actually works now and what is still coming later.

Would you still buy a new phone for promised AI features, or would you wait until they actually show up? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Instagram hits the copy button again with new disappearing Instants photos

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Instagram hits the copy button again with new disappearing Instants photos

Instagram is once again cribbing from competitors like Snapchat and BeReal with a new photo-sharing format it calls “Instants,” which are ephemeral photos that you can’t edit and that you can only share with your close friends or followers that follow you back. Instants are available globally beginning on Wednesday as a feature in the inbox in the Instagram app and as a separate app that’s now in testing in select countries.

To access Instants from the Instagram app, go to your DM inbox and look in the bottom-right corner for an icon or a stack of photos. After you post a photo, your friends can emoji react to it and send a reply to your DMs, but after they see it, the photo disappears for them. Instants also disappear after 24 hours, and they can’t be captured in screenshots or screen recordings.

However, your Instants will remain in an archive for you for up to a year, and you can reshare them as a recap to your Instagram Stories if you’d like. You can also undo sending an Instant right after you post it or delete it from your archive.

The Instants mobile app, which popped up in Italy and Spain in April, gives you “immediate access to the camera” and only requires an Instagram account, Instagram says. “Instants you share on the separate app will show up for friends on Instagram and vice versa. We’re trying this separate app out to see how our community uses it, and we’ll continue to evolve it as we learn more.”

Instagram, in its testing, has seen that people “tend to use Instants to share much more casual, much more authentic moments about their day,” according to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri. “And we know that this type of sharing of personal moments with friends is a core part of what makes Instagram Instagram, but we also know that a lot of people don’t really share a lot to their profile grids anymore.”

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