ACMA Cautions Against A Splash Of Gambling-Related Email and SMS Scams

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has alerted consumers across the country urging them to ignore and delete any suspicious emails or SMS claiming to be from online casinos and bursting of implausible bonuses.

According to the ACMA, more than 6,000 scam emails and messages have been detected since the beginning of the year, therefore the Authority has the basis to believe this phenomenon is truly widespread.

The danger of such messages lies in the links that instead of taking users to the Promotions pages of online casinos, bring them directly into the trap of scammers trying to get hold of people’s personal details.

Needless to say, it’s also the way to spread numerous viruses and malware, that’s why all Australians are strongly recommended to delete these messages instantly without responding or clicking on any links.

The majority of scam SMS and emails received by Aussies claim to be sent by a number of offshore gambling sites including Roo Casino, Pokie Spins, Bonza Spins, and Syndicate Casino.

Fiona Cameron, ACMA Authority Member said:

“There’s no such thing as free money. Don’t let yourself be conned into believing you have any credit or bonuses with these casinos – you don’t. This is just a phishing expedition to steal your identity or infect your computer with malicious malware. Remember if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”

The ACMA is continuously strengthening its activities aimed to minimize telco scams and confront various security threats such as mobile fraud or cyber-attacks. In line with this, issuing consumer alerts is an important part of the Authority’s Combating Scams Action Plan.

At the start of 2020…

…the ACMA requested Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block nine illegal offshore gambling websites, at the same time appealing to Australian users of these sites to withdraw their money as soon as possible.

By the way, Roo Casino was one of the gaming platforms on the list together with the other eight places. Within a new wave of crackdown set in November, all were considered as operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Back in January, the Authority confirmed receiving over 79 complaints related to the aforementioned websites at that time available in the Australian market.

Source: “Scam alert: ACMA warns of spike in online casino email and SMS scams“. ACMA. March 17, 2020.