HARTFORD — The Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division is warning the public about a scheme targeting gaming operators that promises a big payoff but could result in your arrest for identity theft, computer crimes and larceny charges.
How it works:
- Someone approaches you, either in person or through social media, and asks you to open a gaming account if you don’t already have one.
- They then provide you with a credit card and instruct you to make a large deposit into your gaming account. The credit cards are linked to stolen identities.
- After briefly participating in gaming activity, they instruct you to withdraw the money and deposit it into your own account.
- You will then be instructed to transfer all or a portion of that withdrawal via a payment app like Zelle to a new account, often held by the original person who contacted you. This person keeps most of the funds.
The Gaming Division has made 15 arrests in connection with this investigation to date, with several more arrests pending.
“If someone approaches you and asks you to participate in a ‘business venture’ that sounds like fraud, it probably is,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “Participating in this scheme is a crime. It’s unlikely you’ll land a big payoff, but it will likely result in your arrest.”
“This is fraud, and a felony,” said DCP Gaming Director Kris Gilman. “The organizers of these schemes will promise you won’t get caught, but that’s clearly not true. Identity theft and computer crimes are traceable. The message is clear: do not participate in this scam. You’ll be promised money for nothing when, in reality, you’ll be paid much less than promised, if anything at all. On top of that, you’ll be left with a felony warrant for your arrest. Never attempt to fund your online gaming account with a bank account that is not your own and do not share your online gaming account credentials with anyone.”
Consumers can report gaming-related concerns to DCP by emailing DCP.Gaming@ct.gov.
If you or someone you know is looking for resources and support for problem gambling, call, or chat with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gaming 24/7 confidential Problem Gambling Helpline at 1(888) 789-7777 or visit www.ccpg.org.
Information on services available in Connecticut for those who may have a gambling problem is also available at portal.ct.gov/problemgaming. You may also learn about self-exclusion at ct.gov/selfexclusion.