Gambling scams and fraud

Most problems with licensed gambling sites are disputes, not crimes. But some are: fake prize notifications, emails pretending to be a casino, unlicensed sites, and money stolen and then gambled away. This guide explains the common scams the Gambling Commission warns about, and who to report each one to.

Prize and lottery scams

The Commission’s guide to lottery scams and fraud (opens in a new tab) is blunt: the Commission does not notify people of lottery or competition wins. If you are told you have won a lottery you did not enter, it is a scam and you should not respond. Genuine lotteries will not ask for a payment before giving you your prize.

Warning signs it lists include:

• being asked to send cash overseas or to call an international or premium-rate number
• payment through an unusual route, such as a payment to an individual rather than through a secure site
• emails from personal addresses, spelling errors, inconsistencies or mobile numbers in the text
• exaggerated language, such as “you are one step away from a huge cash prize”, or claims that winning will change your life, which advertising rules do not allow
• a charity lottery the charity itself cannot confirm, or one promoted from a Facebook page that is not verified.

Do not pay any fee in advance, and do not send money or personal details such as your passport number, address, phone number or bank details. If you have already paid, contact your bank and the police.

Emails and texts pretending to be a casino

Scam messages often copy the look of a real brand and ask you to click a link to “verify your account” or “claim a bonus”. The Commission’s advice for suspicious lottery emails applies just as well here: do not click the link; type the site’s address into your browser yourself.

• Emails: the National Cyber Security Centre (opens in a new tab) asks you to forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, even if you are not sure. It says it acts on every message, and it can remove scam websites and addresses.
• Texts: forward spam texts to 7726, as the Commission explains in its guide to stopping gambling marketing.

If you have already responded to a scam message and lost money or been hacked, the NCSC says to report it: to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or to Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.

Reporting fraud

Action Fraud’s web address now takes you to Report Fraud (opens in a new tab), which describes itself as the place to tell the police about cyber crime and fraud. It is run by the City of London Police. You can report online at any time or call 0300 123 2040, and you get a police crime reference number. Report Fraud does not investigate cases itself; reports are assessed and passed on.

Its advice for victims (opens in a new tab) says:

• if debit or credit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, contact your bank or card company first
• if a crime is happening now or you are in danger, call 999
• when you report, you can choose to be referred to Victim Support for free, confidential help. Report Fraud’s victim service is available in England and Wales on 0808 1689 111.

In Scotland, the NCSC directs reports to Police Scotland on 101, and Police Scotland (opens in a new tab) says fraud and other financial crime should be reported to the police on 101.

The Commission notes that most lottery frauds operate from outside the UK, so police powers are very limited.

Unlicensed gambling sites

A business offering gambling to people in Great Britain without a Commission licence is acting illegally. Unlicensed sites do not have to follow the rules on this site, such as fair withdrawals, GAMSTOP or free dispute resolution. The Commission cannot get your money back from them.

Before you deposit, check the licence on the public register, including whether the exact web address is listed. If a site is not licensed, you can report it through the Commission’s “Tell us something in confidence” (opens in a new tab) service. It accepts reports about unlicensed gambling, underage gambling, money laundering and other suspicious activity, and treats them in the strictest confidence. It cannot give feedback on what happens next, and it does not handle complaints about transactions.

Other schemes the Commission warns about

• Paid “scratchcard” schemes. Some money-making schemes charge a monthly fee for digital scratchcards, or offer more cards for signing other people up. The Commission says a player doing this could be committing the crime of promoting an illegal lottery. Anyone promoting a lottery in Britain needs a Commission licence or registration with their local licensing authority.
• Binary options. These are bets on whether a financial market will rise or fall. Since 3 January 2018, UK firms offering them have had to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Commission says that if you have doubts about whether a business is authorised, do not use it.

When stolen money is gambled

If money has been stolen from you or your company and then spent on gambling, the Commission’s victim of crime guide (opens in a new tab) says it is a criminal matter for the police. Call 999 in an emergency or 101 otherwise; both are free. It also suggests getting legal advice, and points to Citizens Advice for free or affordable legal help.

If someone has opened a gambling account in your name, tell the operator straight away. The Commission notes that operators may ask for a selfie when they suspect identity theft, for example where an account has been opened with someone’s details but that person is not the one gambling. Our account guide explains how to get a copy of the data an operator holds about you.

If gambling is behind the problem

Sometimes money goes missing because someone close to you is gambling. The National Gambling Helpline is free and open 24 hours a day: 0808 8020 133 in England and Scotland. In Wales, call the NHS All-Wales Gambling Helpline on 0808 2819 265. Our safer gambling page lists more support.