The global premiere of F1: The Movie starring Brad Pitt has sparked a wave of online scams, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. Cybercriminals are exploiting the film’s popularity by setting up fraudulent streaming websites and fake toy giveaways tied to a McDonald’s-Apple promotional campaign.
Kaspersky reports that one scam features a bogus “free subscription” page mimicking official promotional content. Users are asked to register and link a bank card to access the movie, only to have their funds wiped out. The movie, of course, is never made available.
Another scam targets fans in Latin America through a fake website offering exclusive Formula 1-themed toys similar to those available with McDonald’s meals in selected countries. Victims are asked to complete a quiz and pay a small delivery fee, during which scammers steal both money and personal data.
“The scam page is fairly well-crafted… but users reach the prize page regardless of their answers,” said Olga Altukhova, security expert at Kaspersky.
Kaspersky warns that the site, currently detected in Portuguese, could spread globally. The company urges users to:
- Verify websites and URLs carefully
- Avoid unsolicited links or pop-up offers
- Limit personal data shared online
- Use security software to block phishing attempts
For businesses, Kaspersky recommends active monitoring of brand mentions, educating customers about legitimate platforms, and reporting suspicious domains to authorities.
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