The excitement of the NFL season can be a magnet for fraudsters. Between the Super Bowl hype and the first regular‑season game, scammers are already setting traps for eager fans.

Common Scams Targeting Football Fans

1. Fake Ticket Marketplaces – Fraudsters copy the look of Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub and other legitimate sites. They often demand payment via cryptocurrency, wire transfers or gift cards, which offer little consumer protection.

2. Fraudulent Fantasy Leagues – The $7.22 billion daily‑fantasy industry has spawned fake leagues that collect entry fees and disappear. A recent investigation by the Missouri attorney general highlighted allegations against ESPN personality Matt Miller, who allegedly took fees through Venmo and Cash App without paying winners.

3. Phishing Schemes – Scammers send emails or texts that appear to come from trusted companies or government agencies, directing victims to bogus websites. During football season they often promote “deep‑discounted” livestreams of games that turn out to be scams.

4. Fake Betting Sites – With sports betting booming (Americans wagered $166 billion in 2025), counterfeit betting platforms promise “guaranteed winnings” or “sure bets.” Some even use deep‑fake videos of celebrities endorsing the sites.

How to Spot a Scam

• Be wary of urgent language that pressures you to act within an hour.
• Never pay with untraceable methods such as gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
• Check the website’s URL carefully and look for https security.
• Verify the legitimacy of the organizer, especially for fantasy leagues or betting sites.

What to Do If You Encounter a Scam

Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as soon as possible. Contact your bank to place a hold on your accounts and consider canceling compromised debit or credit cards. Change any passwords or usernames that may have been exposed.

Staying informed and vigilant is the best defense. By recognizing the red flags and taking swift action, you can enjoy the football season without falling victim to fraud.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.