New sports betting trend leading to rise of scams
There is an increase in promotion of sports betting portals in ads on TV. Micro betting is wagering on the outcome of specific, individual short-term plays during the game.
Illinois legalized online and in-person sports betting. Scammers create fake sports betting websites to trick people into making illegal bets. The BBB Scam Tracker is seeing reports from people who accidentally placed bets with scam sportsbetting sites. They can't withdraw the money. Their information is in the hands of the scammers. Nearly 20% of U.S. adults bet on sports at least once a month.
New sports betting trend is leading to rise of scams. Look for established, approved services. Don't fall for tempting ads. Read the fine print on incentives. Even legitimate sports gambling sites have the right to freeze your winnings. Avoid sports handicappers who use insider information to place guaranteed bets on upcoming games. If a handicapper promises you will never lose a bet, or they will refund your money any time you do, think twice. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Dennis Horton is director of the Rockford Regional Office of BBB.
Don't fall for tempting ads. Look for established, approved services. Don't ignore gambling-related pop-up ads, email spam, or text messages. Read the fine print on incentives.
Sports handicappers are scam artists who make promises to their clients. They want to make bets and keep the payment. If a handicapper promises you will never lose a bet, or they will refund your money any time you do, think twice.
