As the new school year kicks off, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning to consumers about the rise in high school sports streaming scams. These scams typically involve fake streaming links posted on social media, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter), that claim to offer live streams of local high school games. Scammers often tag the involved schools to make the posts appear legitimate, luring unsuspecting fans into clicking the links.
Once fans attempt to access these fake streams, they are asked to provide personal information such as credit card and Social Security numbers. In many cases, consumers are also prompted to pay a small fee, typically around $1, to watch the game. However, there is no actual stream set up, and the scammers use the collected data to make unauthorized charges or commit identity theft.
Matt Troha, Assistant Executive Director with the Illinois High School Association, emphasized the need for vigilance. He advised fans to scrutinize the account names, photos, and follower counts on social media posts promoting streams. Low follower counts and a high volume of similar posts are red flags that an account may be fraudulent.
Consumers from multiple states have reported losing money to these scams, with some being bombarded with unauthorized charges after paying the initial fee. In one instance, a consumer paid $1 to watch a high school football game online and was subsequently signed up for a $60/month service without their consent.
BBB St. Louis President and CEO Michelle L. Corey advised fans to verify streaming options directly with the schools. She also recommended checking the security settings of websites, ensuring they start with "https://" and display a lock icon. Additionally, using a credit card can provide protection in case of fraudulent charges.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, fans should research websites before providing any information, be cautious of unsolicited links in social media posts, texts, or emails, and always prioritize secure payment methods. By staying informed and vigilant, consumers can enjoy high school sports safely online.
