Professional athletes have always been prime targets for scammers looking to cash in on their fame and fortune. But as the sports industry continues to break revenue records, a new wave of sophisticated digital threats has emerged—turning athlete fraud into a billion-dollar industry.
The days of simple pickpocketing or shady handshake deals are long gone. Today's cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence and advanced phishing techniques to target players at every level of sport. And the stakes have never been higher.
While major tournaments like the World Cup put fans at risk of ticket scams and fake travel deals, athletes face year-round dangers that go far beyond overpriced merchandise. According to a recent report from consulting firm EY, "the playbook for fraudsters and organized crime is growing more complex every year, and the risks have multiplied at every level of sport."
The classic cautionary tale—a wealthy athlete trusting their finances to an agent or inner circle member who then makes disastrous decisions—still rings true today. One of the most shocking examples is the case of Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. In 2025, Mizuhara was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison for stealing approximately $17 million from Ohtani's bank account to cover gambling debts.
But the betrayal doesn't stop there. Darryl Cohen, a former investment adviser, was convicted in New York earlier this year for defrauding three NBA players—Chandler Parsons, Courtney Lee, and Jrue Holiday—out of more than $5 million between 2017 and 2020. His schemes included selling overpriced life insurance policies and making unauthorized transfers under the guise of charitable donations, which he instead used to build a state-of-the-art gym in his own backyard.
Today's digital landscape has opened the door to entirely new threats. From phishing emails disguised as endorsement deals to deepfake videos and even impersonators posing as adult film stars, athletes now face a dizzying array of scams. The same technology that helps them connect with fans can also be weaponized against them. As the sports world continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: protecting athletes from fraud is no longer just about safeguarding their wallets—it's about preserving their careers, reputations, and peace of mind.