The BBB is Warning of March Madness Scams:

Birmingham, AL (March 18th, 2025) – As the excitement of March Madness sweeps across  Alabama and the rest of the country, so does the rise of scams targeting basketball fans. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers to be cautious of fake ticket sales, fraudulent betting sites, phishing scams, and streaming cons that prey on the tournament’s hype. With the tournament drawing in millions of fans, scammers are using deceptive tactics to steal money and personal information.

Key Scams to Watch Out For:

• Phony Sports Betting Sites: With the growing popularity of sports betting, fraudulent sites are emerging that appear legitimate but are designed to steal money or personal information
• .Fake Ticket Sales: Scammers impersonate legitimate sellers, offering tickets to high-demand games at “too-good-to-be-true” prices. Unfortunately, victims often find out their tickets are counterfeit or nonexistent once it’s too late.
• Bracket Phishing Scams: Fraudsters create fake bracket contests to harvest personal details or infect devices with malware.
• Streaming Scams: Scammers set up fake streaming links, asking users to enter payment details or download software that contains viruses.

Warning Signs to Look For:

• Unbelievable Deals: If the price of tickets or betting odds seem too good to be true, they probably are.
• Unsecured Websites: Always ensure that the website is secure by checking for “https” and a padlock symbol in the URL.
• Pressure to Act Quickly: Scammers will often rush you into making decisions, pushing you to act without researching the offer.
• Requests for Untraceable Payments: Be suspicious if you’re asked to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—these are common scam tactics.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted:

• Avoid Engagement: Don’t click on suspicious links or respond to unsolicited offers.
• Verify Authenticity: Only purchase tickets and place bets through official, trusted platforms.
• Report the Scam: If you suspect you’ve been scammed, report it to BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker and to local law enforcement.
• Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly check your bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorized transactions.

Expert Commentary:
 “Scammers know how to capitalize on the excitement of March Madness to trick fans into losing their hard-earned money,” said Carl Bates, CEO of BBB Central and South Alabama. “We urge fans to be vigilant and verify the legitimacy of offers before making any purchases or bets.”

Resources to Stay Safe:

• Read more about scams: BBB.org/ScamTips
• Report a scam: BBB.org/ScamTracker
• Find scam survival resources: BBB.org/ScamSurvivalKit

For additional insights, contact Carl Bates, CEO of BBB Central and South Alabama, at cbates@csal.bbb.org or Monde Donaldson, VP of BBB Education Foundation, at mdonaldson@csal.bbb.org.