Online scams are, unfortunately, a sign of the times—and it seems no one is immune, no matter how tech-savvy you think you are.
In a recent case that has left many Australians shaking their heads, police have charged a man in his 20s with allegedly orchestrating a $2 million online gambling scam that has left at least 14 victims out of pocket.
The alleged scam, which police say was linked to an ‘online gambling company’, has been under investigation since August 2023.
According to authorities, the victims were lured into what they believed were legitimate gambling opportunities, only to find themselves caught in a web of deception.
The 23-year-old man at the centre of the allegations was arrested at Bankstown Police Station on 10 June.
He now faces a staggering 14 charges, including dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, making false documents to obtain financial advantage, and demanding with menace or intent to obtain advantage. He is expected to appear in Bankstown Local Court.
While the scam details are still emerging, police have confirmed that the total losses exceed $2 million—a sobering reminder of how sophisticated and damaging these online operations can be.
How do online gambling scams work?
Online gambling scams can take many forms. Sometimes, scammers set up fake betting websites that look almost identical to legitimate ones, with flashy graphics and tempting odds.
Other times, they might pose as representatives of real companies, offering ‘exclusive’ deals or insider tips that require upfront payments or deposits.
Once they have your money, the scammers disappear, leaving you with empty pockets and little recourse. In some cases, victims are even tricked into providing personal information, which can be used for identity theft or fraud.
The rise of online gambling—especially during the pandemic, when many people turned to the internet for entertainment—has only increased the risk. With so many new platforms and apps popping up, it can be hard to tell the real from the fake.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your hard-earned money?
- Be sceptical of unsolicited offers. If someone contacts you out of the blue with a ‘can’t-miss’ gambling opportunity, it’s probably too good to be true.
- Check the website’s credentials. Look for proper licensing information, secure payment methods, and reviews from other users.
- Never share personal or financial information unless you know who you’re dealing with.
- Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, and consider enabling two-factor authentication where possible.
- If in doubt, talk it out. Ask a trusted friend or family member for their opinion, or contact a consumer protection agency for advice.
If you think you’ve fallen victim to an online scam, don’t be embarrassed—it can happen to anyone. The most important thing is to act quickly:
- Contact your bank or financial institution immediately to stop further transactions.
- Report the scam to the Australian Cyber Security Centre and Scamwatch.
- Keep records of all communications and transactions related to the scam.
Have you or someone you know ever been targeted by an online gambling scam? What steps do you take to protect yourself online? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your story could help someone else avoid becoming a victim.
Also read: PointsBet fined $500,000 after spamming customers with gambling ads
