SHREVEPORT, La. — As students head back to classrooms, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is sounding the alarm for local families and sports supporters. Fraudsters are posting counterfeit links to high‑school athletic events on platforms such as X, tagging Shreveport schools to make the offers appear legitimate.
How the scams work
When a fan clicks one of these deceptive links, the site typically asks for sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, or demands a small payment to view the game. In reality, no video stream exists. The perpetrators harvest the data to process unauthorized transactions or commit identity theft.
One victim described paying a $1 “fee” to watch a prep football game, only to discover they had been enrolled in a recurring $60 monthly subscription. Similar reports have emerged from several neighboring states, indicating a coordinated effort to exploit high‑school sports enthusiasm.
Tips to avoid becoming a victim
Consumer advocates recommend a few simple steps to protect yourself:
- Check the account’s follower count and profile picture. Low‑follower accounts posting a high volume of identical updates are a red flag.
- Confirm viewing options directly with school administrators or official school district websites.
- Ensure the URL begins with “https://” and displays the lock icon, indicating a secure connection.
- Use a credit card rather than a debit card for any online payment, as credit cards offer stronger dispute protections.
If you suspect you have entered personal or financial information on a fraudulent page, contact your bank or credit‑card issuer immediately.
Why this matters to Shreveport families
High‑school athletics are a cornerstone of community life in Shreveport, bringing together families, churches, and local businesses each Friday night. Protecting fans from scams helps preserve the trust and safety that make these events a source of pride.
The BBB continues to monitor the situation and will issue further guidance as new tactics emerge. Stay vigilant, verify sources, and enjoy the games without fear of fraud.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
