BBB concerned about surge in Kansas sports betting scams ahead of Chiefs playing Super Bowl

WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Like many Kansans, Ray Pruitt hasn't placed a single bet since sports gambling became legal in Kansas.

But also like many Kansans, that's probably about to change.

"Because I'm a Chiefs fan! I just feel like this would be the perfect time to do it," said Pruitt.

Pruitt says his only concern is that he has no idea how to do it.

Denise Groene with the Better Business Bureau says this is where scammers get you.

"Sports betting scams tend to lure you in with an enticing offer. At that point, they get you to their website, or maybe have you download their app," said Groene.

Groene says sports betting scams haven't actually been much of a problem in Kansas yet, and that's what concerns her the most.

She says the Chiefs playing in the Super Bowl is the first major sporting event for a Kansas team since the state legalized sports gambling, which makes for a perfect storm – a bunch of first-timers these scammers are sure to target.

"A lot of times, consumers don't realize they've been duped by an unscrupulous website or an app that they've placed a bet on until after the fact. So typically, unfortunately, we give these tips to be proactive. But you don't know you've been scammed until it's time to collect your earnings," said Groene.

Groene says your best bet is to stick with one of the popular and reputable companies. Even then, especially as a first-timer, Pruitt says he still plans on reading the fine print.

"You just got to be careful. I mean, you got to read, and like I said, that's probably why I don't bet either. Because like I said, you know, which one's real, which one's fake," said Pruitt.