FIFPro warns football players of new scheme from fraudulent agents

Professional football players should be cautious when approached by alleged agents pretending to be working for football clubs or international agencies, stated FIFPro (International Federation of Professional Footballers) on 12/09/2014.

FIFPro has learned of a new scheme, especially in South America, in which fraudulent agents approach players at the end of the transfer window. However, before connecting the player to an interested team, the fraudulent agent asks the player for an immediate bank transfer of a sum of money to cover travel costs, work permits, taxes, or other administrative items. Once the player transfers the money, the fraudulent agent either disappears completely or stays in contact to ask for more money due to additional costs.

"FIFPro invites all players who have been approached by these alleged agents or have been victims of their practices to share their story with the players union or FIFPro, to help protect their colleagues in professional football," said the players' organisation.

"Never transfer any money!" (FIFPro's advice to all football players and unions…