Online casino scams are schemes that deceive one of the parties out of their money. These scams can involve rogue casinos stealing from their customers or fraudsters stealing from casinos. To avoid falling prey to these scams, it’s crucial to pay attention to some telltale signs.
Slow or Delayed Payment
One of the most common online casino scams is slow or delayed payment. A shady casino might take weeks or even months to pay its players back, despite being in breach of its own Terms and Conditions. Sometimes, a casino will delay payment because of the lack of cash flow, while other times, it will try to encourage players to take another bonus and play more while refusing to cash out.
Frequent Changes to Terms and Conditions
Another sign of a rogue casino is frequent changes to their Terms and Conditions. A casino may even change T&Cs in the middle of a dispute in an attempt to corroborate its claims. Additionally, having a license issued by a proper gambling authority is an essential precondition for a casino to operate within the limits of the law and guarantee players they’re betting on a safe platform. If a casino is operating without a license, it’s best to stay away from it.
False Advertising
False advertising is another common online casino scam. This covers a broad spectrum of scams, but they all boil down to not respecting the Terms and Conditions. Online casino bonus scams are the most common type of false advertising and may include last-minute increasing of wagering requirements or decreasing the max cashout amount after you’ve finished wagering your bonus.
Spamming Ads
Spamming ads is also not a good marketing practice and may be seen as one of the online casino scams. If you get dozens of ads or pop-up messages a day from a casino, you might consider moving on to another website.
Deposit Theft
Deposit theft is the most common type of online casino scam. After encouraging you to make a deposit, the casino makes it impossible to withdraw your funds. Upon signing up, such a casino may close your account or suspend it while making you jump hurdle after a hurdle before you can reactivate it. Some casinos make customer support agents take you for a ride or play dumb when you ask for help.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is another major issue affecting most industries, including iGaming. Rogue casinos in this business are scammers themselves or serve as a pipeline for gathering information and selling it further. Online casinos pull the identity theft trick through account freezing, i.e., suspending your account until you provide an ID or proof of address and stealing credit card information directly to clone your credit card(s) and take your money.
Rigged Games
Finally, rigged games are another in a series of the online casino scams. This is where the casino manipulates the outcome of the game to ensure that the player loses. To avoid falling prey to this scam, it’s important to only play at legitimate casinos and, if possible, based in countries where the laws on data mishandling are strictly enforced.
To avoid online casino scams, it is essential to check the casino’s license and look for the casino’s RTP (Return-to-Player). Licensed casinos regularly task third-party agencies to check their stated RTPs, ensuring players can have peace of mind while playing.
Another type of casino scam is malware, where fraudsters trick players into downloading malware-infected software that can corrupt their devices or steal their data. To avoid this, refrain from downloading any software that you are not 100% sure is safe.
In the world of casino scams, some fraudsters have taken things to another level. For example, the Rosselli Brothers stole nearly $40 million from casinos across the US by forging people’s identities to open credit lines at casinos. Another scam involved a group of four gamblers who used contact lenses and invisible ink to mark cards during stud poker games, walking away with over $80,000.
To avoid online casino scams, it is essential to check for the signs of a shady casino, such as false advertisements or frequently changing terms and conditions. Before visiting an online casino, check for licenses to ensure the casino is legitimate.
In conclusion, online casino scams are a real threat to online gamblers. By being aware of the signs of a shady casino and taking precautions, such as checking for licenses and avoiding downloading suspicious software, players can protect themselves from falling prey to these scams.
Online casino scams are a real threat, and it’s important to be aware of the risks before you start playing. One of the first things you should do is check if the casino has a valid licence. If not, move on and find another one that follows the rules.
Downloading suspicious software is also a big no-no. Unless you’re completely sure that the software is safe, don’t download casino apps as they might be developed by a rogue casino or infected with malware.
Research is key when it comes to choosing a trustworthy online casino. Stick to casinos with reviews on relevant websites and see what other players have to say about them. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid fraudulent casinos.
It’s important to remember that playing responsibly is crucial. Don’t get caught up in the excitement of gambling and always keep a level head. If you suspect that a casino is fraudulent, report it immediately.
In conclusion, online casino scams are a real threat, but with a little bit of research and common sense, you can avoid them and enjoy a safe and enjoyable gambling experience. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and always play responsibly.