TL;DR: Scam activity clusters tightly around the college basketball tournament each March, when betting interest and app downloads spike sharply among people who don't normally use betting platforms. Use only betting platforms licensed in your state or region, and avoid apps or sites promoted solely through unsolicited social media ads or messages.
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Scam activity clusters tightly around the college basketball tournament each March, when betting interest and app downloads spike sharply among people who don't normally use betting platforms.
How the Scam Plays Out
Fraudulent betting apps and bracket-contest sites mimic legitimate platforms to collect deposits or personal information, and never pay out winnings once the tournament ends.
How to Protect Yourself
Use only betting platforms licensed in your state or region, and avoid apps or sites promoted solely through unsolicited social media ads or messages.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Memorial Day and Labor Day Sale Scams.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Mother's Day and Father's Day Gift Scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does this typically happen?
Scam activity clusters tightly around the college basketball tournament each March, when betting interest and app downloads spike sharply among people who don't normally use betting platforms.
What tactics are used?
Fraudulent betting apps and bracket-contest sites mimic legitimate platforms to collect deposits or personal information, and never pay out winnings once the tournament ends.
How can I protect myself?
Use only betting platforms licensed in your state or region, and avoid apps or sites promoted solely through unsolicited social media ads or messages.
What should I do if I’ve already been targeted?
Stop all payments immediately, contact your bank or card issuer to see if a transaction can be reversed or flagged, and report the incident to the appropriate consumer protection body.