Internet fraudsters target Olympic fans

International fraudsters are targeting Olympics enthusiasts in Kenya, among other countries, by setting up phony websites to defraud them of cash.

Police have warned Kenyans against purchasing Olympics tickets from a number of websites run by a company called Euroteam.

Euroteam is being investigated amid warnings from Britain’s Metropolitan Police that people may not receive tickets purchased through the company.

Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe warned that the following websites are operated by Euroteam and should be avoided:

www.euroteam.net,  www.tixnet.com, www.olympicticket.info, www.euroteam.info, www.euroteamtickets.com, www.2012tickets.org, and www.londonsummergames.net.

Others include www.londonsummergames.org, www.euroteam.travel and www.worldticketservice.net

“Kenya Police headquarters would like to inform the public that we have received intelligence from Interpol London, UK, to the effect that criminals have created a fraudulent mother website known as Euroteam, whereby the innocent public are purchasing fake tickets for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games,” Mr Kiraithe said.

Individuals who might have boight the tickets from the cited websites or any other unofficial vendor are advised to contact the accredited company directly through: www.tickets.london2012.com/nocatr.html.

“The Commissioner of Police would like to advise persons wishing to buy a ticket to the Olympic Games to counter-check adequately to avoid losing money to fraudsters,” he added.

Meanwhile, politicians have put aside their rivalry and urged wananchi to unite and rally behind Team Kenya.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua used their twitter accounts to send messages of encouragement to the team.

“Proud to be Kenyan! Go! Go! Team Kenya 2012 Olympics,” tweeted Ms Karua.

“We are proud of you and I urge all Kenyans to rally behind Team Kenya,” Mr Odinga in one of his tweets said.

“Go Team Kenya! Go Team Kenya! You are the pride of the country,” Mr Kenyatta said.

The VP told the team that Kenyans at home and abroad will be following their exploits.

“We are solidly behind you as you do national duty and we shall support and cheer you  to the last day,” Mr Musyoka said.

Additional reporting by Francis Mureithi