Criminals Plot to Prey on Super Bowl Fans, Warn Scammers Targeting the Big Game
As millions of football fans prepare for the biggest game of the year, a new threat is emerging from the shadows. According to experts, scammers are gearing up to capitalize on the excitement, preying on unsuspecting fans with a range of illicit schemes.
The Joint Economic Committee (JEC), which includes Senator Maggie Hassan, has issued a warning to Americans about the dangers of sports betting scams, ticket scams, and merchandise scams that are likely to circulate during Super Bowl Sunday. The committee's warning comes as Americans are expected to wager a record $1.8 billion on the game, driven by the explosion in online sports betting.
Sports Betting Scams: Be Cautious
Criminals are creating fake websites that mimic actual gambling platforms, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, with AI tools making it easier to fool consumers into thinking they're dealing with legitimate sites. However, these scammers often try to draw consumers in with "risk-free" bonuses that later demand additional deposits or withhold payouts.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, experts urge consumers to verify a sportsbook's physical location before signing up to bet and not wagering funds if it is not based in the US. Offshore sites are not subject to US regulations and consumer protections, making them a breeding ground for scammers.
Ticket Scams: Be Wary of Authenticity
Super Bowl tickets this year are a hot commodity, with some fans willing to pay thousands of dollars for seats. However, scammers are eager to capitalize on the demand, often posing as authentic ticket sellers through social media or unverified websites.
Fans can avoid falling victim to these scams by only making purchases through authorized sites, like the NFL, or reputable resale sites with buyer guarantees and other consumer protections. Consumers should also be sure to use secure payment methods with built-in protections, such as credit cards, rather than paying by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
Merchandise Scams: Watch Out for Counterfeit Goods
Sales of Super Bowl-related apparel and merchandise can generate significant revenue, both for legitimate businesses and cybercriminals. However, counterfeit goods are also on the rise, with authorities seizing over $120 million worth of fake jerseys, jewelry, hats, and other items ahead of last year's Super Bowl.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumers should verify sellers' legitimacy through the Better Business Bureau or attorney general websites, search for a verifiable physical address and working phone number, and check a site's shipping, return, and refund policies before making a purchase.
As millions of football fans prepare for the biggest game of the year, a new threat is emerging from the shadows. According to experts, scammers are gearing up to capitalize on the excitement, preying on unsuspecting fans with a range of illicit schemes.
The Joint Economic Committee (JEC), which includes Senator Maggie Hassan, has issued a warning to Americans about the dangers of sports betting scams, ticket scams, and merchandise scams that are likely to circulate during Super Bowl Sunday. The committee's warning comes as Americans are expected to wager a record $1.8 billion on the game, driven by the explosion in online sports betting.
Sports Betting Scams: Be Cautious
Criminals are creating fake websites that mimic actual gambling platforms, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, with AI tools making it easier to fool consumers into thinking they're dealing with legitimate sites. However, these scammers often try to draw consumers in with "risk-free" bonuses that later demand additional deposits or withhold payouts.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, experts urge consumers to verify a sportsbook's physical location before signing up to bet and not wagering funds if it is not based in the US. Offshore sites are not subject to US regulations and consumer protections, making them a breeding ground for scammers.
Ticket Scams: Be Wary of Authenticity
Super Bowl tickets this year are a hot commodity, with some fans willing to pay thousands of dollars for seats. However, scammers are eager to capitalize on the demand, often posing as authentic ticket sellers through social media or unverified websites.
Fans can avoid falling victim to these scams by only making purchases through authorized sites, like the NFL, or reputable resale sites with buyer guarantees and other consumer protections. Consumers should also be sure to use secure payment methods with built-in protections, such as credit cards, rather than paying by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
Merchandise Scams: Watch Out for Counterfeit Goods
Sales of Super Bowl-related apparel and merchandise can generate significant revenue, both for legitimate businesses and cybercriminals. However, counterfeit goods are also on the rise, with authorities seizing over $120 million worth of fake jerseys, jewelry, hats, and other items ahead of last year's Super Bowl.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumers should verify sellers' legitimacy through the Better Business Bureau or attorney general websites, search for a verifiable physical address and working phone number, and check a site's shipping, return, and refund policies before making a purchase.
but I'm also low-key worried about all these scams that are gonna pop up 
Like, scammers creating fake websites that look just like legit sportsbooks? That's messed up 
I mean, who wouldn't want to try and make some easy money off unsuspecting fans? But at the same time, shouldn't we be giving those scammers a hard time for being so reckless with people's finances? 
I don't know, maybe I'm just being too harsh... or maybe not harsh enough 
They'd better bring their A-game! 
Don't let them get you hooked on risk-free bonuses, buddy! 
Only invest in legit sites that won't leave you high and dry. 
Ticket scams are like a touchdown for scammers – they're gonna be caught and brought down! 
Merchandise scams? More like merchandise fails 
Don't get swindled by fake jerseys, bro! 
Keep it real, keep it legit! 
like seriously can't even go to the super bowl without getting ripped off lol so yeah gotta be extra careful with those fake websites and ticket sellers dont wanna get caught up in some online gamble that's just gonna eat ur wallet fam also, be real about the merch too, dont buy from some shady seller who sounds suspicious 
Scammers are getting super sneaky with the Super Bowl hype 
, trying to get people hooked on "risk-free" bonuses 
- only buy from authorized sources like the NFL or reputable resale sites with buyer guarantees. Merchandise scams are also a bummer 
- check sellers' legitimacy, verify their address, and return policies before buying.
. With $1.8 billion on the line, scammers want to make some quick cash 
. or, you know, just don't bet on anything and save your money 
especially with all the online betting and ticket sales going on. i mean, it's great that americans are raking in some serious cash on sports betting, but let's not forget to protect ourselves from those scammers too 
so yeah, just remember to verify those sites, be wary of "risk-free" bonuses, and don't even think about buying anything that seems suspicious 
They're creating fake sites that look like legit ones, offering "risk-free" bonuses... it's like, come on! 
Also, be super careful with those merchandise purchases... counterfeit goods are like, so not worth it 
