The March Madness basketball tournament is a time of excitement for sports fans everywhere, as teams from all over the country compete for the championship title. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are also using this time of year to try to scam unsuspecting victims out of their money or personal information. As a business owner, it’s important to be aware of the top 5 scams associated with March Madness.
1. Phishing Scams:
Phishing scams are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to trick users into divulging their personal information. During March Madness, phishing scams can come in the form of emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as the NCAA or popular sports websites, asking users to click on a link or enter their login credentials. These emails may contain malware or direct users to a fake login page where their information can be stolen.
To avoid falling for a phishing scam, be wary of unsolicited emails and always double-check the sender’s address. If an email seems suspicious, don’t click on any links or enter any personal information.
2. Fake Ticket Scams:
3. Betting Scams:
Betting on March Madness is a popular pastime for many sports fans, but it can also be a way for scammers to make a quick buck. Betting scams can come in the form of fake betting sites that steal user information or refuse to pay out winnings. Scammers may also ask for payment upfront for their betting picks or use high-pressure tactics to get users to place bets.
To avoid falling for a betting scam, only use reputable betting sites and never give out your personal information or payment information to untrusted sources. Be wary of anyone offering betting picks for a fee or using high-pressure tactics to get you to place bets.
4. Bracket Scams:
Filling out a March Madness bracket is a fun way to compete with friends and family, but scammers may use this as an opportunity to collect personal information. Bracket scams may come in the form of fake bracket contests that ask users to enter personal information, such as their name, email address, and phone number.
To avoid falling for a bracket scam, only enter bracket contests from reputable sources and be cautious about the personal information you share. If a bracket contest seems too good to be true or requires a lot of personal information, it’s likely a scam.
5. Social Media Scams:
Social media is a popular platform for discussing March Madness, but scammers may use this as an opportunity to trick users. Social media scams can come in the form of fake accounts that offer betting picks or fake giveaways that require users to share personal information.
To avoid falling for a social media scam, be cautious about the accounts you follow and the information you share. If a social media account seems suspicious or offers too-good-to-be-true deals, it’s likely a scam.
In Conclusion:
As a sports fan and a business professional, it’s important to be aware of the top 5 scams associated with March Madness. By staying vigilant and using caution when interacting with online sources, you can enjoy the excitement of the tournament without falling victim to a scam.
Eric Schwarz
Owner | IT Support and Security Engineer