Davos, Switzerland | Reports of fraudulent VIP passes being sold in the name of a prominent US-linked venue during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos have prompted organisers to issue a public warning, urging visitors to remain vigilant and avoid unauthorised ticket sellers.
In an advisory posted on their official website, the organisers cautioned against purchasing so-called “VIP access packages” being promoted by third parties, stressing that such offers are entirely fake and carry no official validity. According to the organisers, the number of enquiries and complaints related to bogus passes has risen sharply this year, indicating that the scam is unusually widespread.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
They said the volume of messages received through email and other channels suggests the fraud is not limited to isolated incidents, but represents a broader attempt to exploit the high-profile nature of the Davos summit. Some agents, the organisers warned, are falsely claiming to sell exclusive access to “USA House” and other venues, promising private meetings, priority entry and elite networking opportunities in exchange for substantial payments.
Describing the development as one of the fastest-spreading myths associated with Davos in recent years, the organisers reiterated that no VIP tickets or paid entry schemes are being offered for the venue. All official participation, they said, is strictly controlled and invitation-based.
USA House is being hosted at a church complex located just outside Davos’s high-security perimeter. Throughout the week, it is serving as a hub for panel discussions, closed-door meetings and policy-focused conversations involving senior corporate leaders, policymakers and representatives linked to the US administration. The organisers have made it clear that access to these events is not available for purchase under any circumstances.
The warning comes as Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver an address at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday. His speech will be livestreamed for registered participants attending the forum and will also be screened for invited guests gathered at USA House. Trump’s appearance has attracted considerable attention, as it marks his first participation at the forum in several years and coincides with a packed schedule of engagements involving senior figures from his administration.
Expressing regret over the situation, the organisers said they sympathise with individuals who may have already fallen victim to the scam. However, they emphasised that they will not be responsible for losses incurred through dealings with unauthorised sellers. Visitors and participants have been advised to rely only on official communications and verified registration channels for information related to events and access.
The incident has surfaced at a time when political and business leaders from around the world are converging in the Swiss Alps amid heightened global uncertainty, ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic headwinds. Despite stringent on-ground security arrangements, organisers acknowledged that the rise of digital fraud and misinformation has emerged as a growing challenge surrounding major international events.
In their advisory, they specifically cautioned against offers circulated via social media, email or messaging platforms that claim to provide limited-time access, exclusive passes or guaranteed entry to high-level sessions. Such messages, they said, are a common tactic used by fraudsters seeking to capitalise on the prestige of the forum and the presence of influential global figures.
Participants have been encouraged to report any suspicious approaches or dubious claims to official contacts immediately, enabling organisers to take timely action and issue further alerts if necessary.
Each year, Davos draws thousands of heads of state, corporate executives, investors and policy experts. Against this backdrop, the organisers reiterated that only information released through official channels should be trusted, and that heightened caution remains essential to avoid falling prey to fraud during the high-profile global gathering.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
