Two Georgia men are accused of turning a packed World Cup match at Miami Stadium into their own personal cash grab, allegedly flashing fake FIFA credentials to hustle fans for access during Wednesday’s Brazil vs. Scotland game.
Deputies say the pair slipped into the venue with bogus passes, then worked Section 135 while more than 65,000 spectators filled the stands, charging as much as $1,000 per person for entry. The arrests are the latest sign of a growing wave of ticket and credential scams swirling around the tournament.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office identified the men as Kareem Thomas, 38, of Macon, and Stanthony Ballard, 43, of Atlanta, according to Local 10. Four witnesses in Section 135 told deputies they paid the men for access during the match, and the arrest report states the two had already been kicked out once for interfering with event operations. Jail records show both were booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with bonds set at $3,500 each.
How Deputies Say The Stadium Hustle Worked
According to the arrest report, cited by Local 10, Thomas and Ballard used “fraudulent credentials” to enter the 6 p.m. event, then flashed those same passes to fans as supposed proof they could get them in.
Deputies wrote that four witnesses reported paying the suspects at about 6:35 p.m. in Section 135. The report describes the conduct as criminal trespassing and interference with the “normal and safe operations” of the event. The arrests took place inside the stadium commonly known as Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Scams And Impersonators Shadowing World Cup Crowds
The alleged scheme fits a pattern federal and local authorities have been warning about as World Cup fever drives demand for seats and access.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center recently issued a public service announcement on May 27, flagging spoofed FIFA websites and bogus ticket operations and urging victims to preserve transaction records and file complaints through its IC3 portal. Closer to the pitch, police also arrested a man accused of posing as a security worker at the FIFA Fan Festival in Bayfront Park, another reminder that scammers are not shy about slapping on a badge or lanyard and working crowded venues for quick cash.
Taken together, officials say, the incidents show how fraudsters are exploiting big-game chaos, long lines and sky-high ticket demand.
Charges, Booking And What Comes Next
Thomas and Ballard each face two felony counts, uttering a forged instrument and interference with a sporting event, and both had bench warrants for conducting business without a license, according to the arrest report. They were processed at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and remained in custody pending further court proceedings. Prosecutors had not released additional information as of the report.
If You Were Approached Or Think You Were Scammed
Fans who were asked to pay for entry or suspect they were duped are urged to save everything: messages, photos, screenshots, receipts and any payment confirmations. Contact stadium security or Miami-Dade deputies as soon as possible.
You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s IC3 portal at IC3, and officials stress that fans should purchase tickets only through FIFA’s official channels, including FIFA.com, or authorized resale platforms. If you already made a payment, alert your bank or card issuer and keep all evidence for investigators.
With stadiums packed across host cities, authorities say vigilance is the best defense. Cases like this are a blunt reminder that when it comes to tickets and access, sticking to official channels and reporting anything sketchy can keep both your seat and your wallet safer.
