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The Better Business Bureau is warning that sports betting scams are becoming more common as wagering grows in popularity, including schemes that have already affected a West Virginia consumer.
According to the BBB, common scams include fake betting websites or apps that make it hard or impossible to withdraw money, as well as sellers who charge for betting picks or predictions that do not deliver what was promised. The agency also warned that unlicensed or offshore gambling operations can create problems such as frozen accounts, withdrawal disputes and even seized funds.
West Virginia complaint cited in BBB alert
The BBB scam alert points to a report from a West Virginia consumer who said they paid $280 for basketball tournament picks. According to the complaint, the seller stopped providing picks after the first day, and the consumer reported losing $150.
The BBB also cited an Ohio complaint from a consumer who said they won $521.80 on a sports betting app but could not withdraw the money.
The organization said scammers can quickly create gambling websites and apps that appear legitimate, which can make it harder for consumers to spot problems before depositing funds.
What bettors should check before depositing
The BBB advises consumers to verify that a sportsbook is licensed in their state before sending money. It also recommends researching platforms on BBB.org and watching for red flags such as unclear terms, missing contact information and promises of guaranteed profits.
The alert says consumers should read the fine print on withdrawals, fees, promotions and other account conditions before making a deposit. It also warns that requests for cryptocurrency payments can be a sign of trouble when dealing with gambling operations.
For West Virginia players, the BBB’s warning is mainly a reminder to confirm a sportsbook is properly licensed and to be skeptical of anyone selling “guaranteed” winning picks. The alert did not identify the specific app, website or seller named in the consumer reports.
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Source: As reported by herald-dispatch.com.
