A report in The Times today has revealed that up to 100 websites may be selling tickets for the 2010 World Cup that don't exist, duping thousands of supporters thinking they tickets for South Africa when they haven't.

Much like the lottery scam will take several forms but each of them are still a scam, there are going to be lots of websites claiming to sell tickets for the event next year but there is actually only one website, FIFA.com, that will be selling tickets and only a few more companies where you can buy authorised packages.

"Our work with New Scotland Yard is yet another example that we are taking serious steps to stop unauthorised entities from selling tickets to the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” Jérôme Valcke, the FIFA general secretary, told The Times last night.

“We applaud the work of New Scotland Yard in its efforts to ensure that our common goal is to target and shut down illegitimate entities or unauthorised tickets. We simply cannot accept that true fans are being cheated in this way.”

Bottom line, don't buy tickets online unless through the FIFA website, it is the only place you can buy tickets and now is a very good time as the ticketing process is nearing the end of the second phase.

The second sales phase started on May 4th and runs until November 16th and tickets applications are processed, subject to availability, on a first come first served basis - in the order of receipt. If you really want a ticket, then this is your best option.

FIFA have also only got one rights holder of the Official Hospitality Programme for the World Cup and they are called MATCH. These tickets are aimed at corporate customers or if you are absolutely minted and want the best for your time in South Africa. If you are interested in this type of ticket click here.