England fans receive World Cup warning over showing off tickets online with fraudsters able to duplicate them

England fans in a past match. [Photo/Courtesy]

England fans are being warned not to 'show off' World Cup tickets on-line - in case fraudsters copy them.

Experts say photos and social media posts are all conmen need to produce counterfeit tickets. Some will sell them - while others may try to get into games with the fakes before the rightful owners.

With just three days to go before the big kick off in Russia on June 14, excited Three Lions supporters have been posing with their prized possessions on Instagram and other social media.

While some have blurred barcodes and seat numbers, others have forgotten to obscure the details. And that is all fraudsters need to make counterfeit tickets to either sell on the black market, or use themselves.

Kapersky, the Internet security firm, has warned against posting event tickets online, with hundreds of scams uncovered in the run up to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Those buying blackmarket tickets also risk being barred from entry to the matches as the names on them will not match Fan ID which must be carried by every spectator at Russia 2018.

ActionFraud urged fans to 'exercise caution when considering the purchase of tickets or accommodation'. They say the event is 'highly likely' to be targeted by fraudsters looking to take advantage of 'unsuspecting fans'.

England fans are advised not to expose their tickets online. [Photo/Courtesy]

Fraudsters are likely be posing as World Cup ticket vendors or private individuals attempting to sell on a match tickets via on-line marketplaces.

More than 600 scams relating to the Brazil World Cup were reported four years ago. Director of Action Fraud, Pauline Smith, has warned the high number showed that fraudsters 'will try every trick in the book to take advantage of people at what should be an exciting time and event'.

"It is crucial that you take some time to follow basic checks designed to protect you," she added. "If you think you have been a victim of fraud, report it to us."

FIFA said the illicit sale and distribution of tickets was a 'very serious issue'. "We are reminding all football fans that FIFA.com/tickets is the only official and legitimate website from which to buyWorld Cup tickets," said as spokesperson.