Protect Yourself from Gambling Scams

TrainMyParent.com
5 days ago
2 min read

A laptop screen showing a sports betting website — If you gamble online, make sure you use weel-known sites.

The excitement of the Super Bowl and March Madness brings millions of sports fans together, many of whom enjoy placing bets to add extra thrill to the games. Unfortunately, these popular events also attract scammers looking to exploit eager bettors. Gambling scams during these months can lead to significant financial losses and personal information theft. Knowing how to spot these scams and protect yourself is essential to enjoy the games safely.

Why gambling scams increase during major events? Sports events like the Super Bowl and March Madness create a surge in betting activity. Scammers take advantage of this by creating fake betting websites that look legitimate, and using social media to promote these fraudulent betting pools or apps. These sites may ask for deposits but never pay out winnings. They often have poor security and lack proper licensing.

They also can send phishing emails or texts offering “sure-win” bets or exclusive tips, or offer fake bonuses or promotions that require upfront payments. Emails or texts may claim to be from legitimate sportsbooks, asking you to verify your account or provide payment details. These messages often contain links to fake sites designed to steal your information. In addition, the rush and excitement make bettors less cautious, increasing the chances of falling victim to scams.

How to Protect Yourself from Gambling Scams: Taking a few precautions can keep your money and information safe. First, you should use licensed and reputable sportsbooks. Always place bets through sportsbooks licensed by recognized authorities. Check for reviews and verify licenses on official regulatory websites. You should also be skeptical of "Sure Wins" and pressure tactics. No bet is guaranteed. Be wary of anyone promising guaranteed returns or pressuring you to act quickly.

Before registering or placing a bet, check the website URLs carefully. Look for secure connections (https://) and watch for misspellings or unusual domain names that mimic real sites. When registering for an account, you should always use strong passwords, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) when available.

What to Do If You Fall Victim to a Gambling Scam: If you suspect you have been scammed, you should contact your bank or credit card company immediately to block transactions. You should also change passwords on your betting accounts and any linked email accounts. Then, you should report the scam to your sportsbook and local law enforcement, and file a complaint with consumer protection agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Finally, you should monitor your financial accounts closely for unusual activity (but you do that already anyway, right?)

American football players at the line of scrimage.

Staying Informed and Educated: The best defense against gambling scams is knowledge. Stay updated on common scams and share information with friends and family who bet on sports. Many regulatory bodies and consumer groups publish alerts and tips during major sports events.

Learn how you can protect yourself or your family by enrolling in the Complete Internet Security Basics and Phishing Awareness Course for Parents on TrainMyParent.com

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