‘Scambling’ is where online gambling platforms are promoted with the aim of tricking people to visit a scam website to participate in gambling.
You can’t win money from a scambling site and you can’t get your money back.
Scambling sites are advertised on social media and promoted in messaging app groups to attract players.
Signs of a scambling site
Online gambling services such as pokie machines, casino style games, and scratchies are illegal in Australia.
These are some of the tell-tale signs of a scambling website.
- The website asks you to transfer funds to a PayID (mobile number, email address, or ABN).
- You’re instructed to download third-party apps directly from an untrustworthy source. Although, some illegitimate sites may have a gambling app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to appear trustworthy.
- You can check if a gambling operator is legal on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website. If the site isn’t listed here, it’s likely to be a ‘scambling’ website.
Don’t be fooled by flashy websites that often feature colourful graphics, animated characters or pop culture references. The sites might appear to be legitimate, with a log-in section, a live transaction table showing deposits and withdrawals for different phone numbers, a list of affiliate and partner casinos, possible bonuses available to players, and a large list of different games on offer.
The risks
If you participate in illegal online gambling, you’re at risk of:
- losing any deposited funds
- being unable claim any winnings
- identity theft
- participating in money laundering by moving illicit funds
- being exposed to other fraud and scams too.
Steps to avoid scams
Follow these 3 simple steps to stay safe from scammers.
STOP: Don’t send money or provide personal information if you’re not completely sure who you’re dealing with.
CHECK: Could the message or advertisement be fake? If you’re not sure, don’t respond.
PROTECT: Act quickly if something feels wrong. Seek help and report the scam to prevent further losses.
Report scambling
If you see a ‘scambling’ website report it. Reporting a scam helps keep Australia safe and stop more people from becoming victims.
You can report the page and the link to the social media site as a gambling scam.
You can also report the scam to Scamwatch, or report a cybercrime to ReportCyber.
What to do if you’ve been scambled
Contact your bank and report what has happened. Your bank will work with you on next steps.
Being scammed can feel overwhelming. If you need someone to talk to, reach out to family and friends or contact Lifeline (phone 13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (phone 1300 224 636).
