Don’t Let Scammers Bust Your Bracket!
March Madness isn’t just a paradise for basketball fans—it’s also prime time for cybercriminals looking to cash in on the excitement. With millions of people buying tickets, placing bets, and streaming games, scammers are working overtime to trick unsuspecting fans.
At GCA CyberFlex, we want to make sure you stay in the game without falling for cyber scams. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Fake Ticket Scams 🎟️
✅ Only buy from verified sellers like the official NCAA site or reputable platforms like Ticketmaster and StubHub.
Think you found a great deal on last-minute tickets? Be careful—scammers create fake resale sites that look legit but steal your money. To avoid getting scammed:
❌ Avoid sketchy resale sites, especially those with deals that seem too good to be true.
- Betting & Fantasy League Scams 💰
March Madness betting can be fun, but cybercriminals use it as bait to trick you into giving up your money or personal info.
🚩 Watch out for unlicensed sportsbooks offering crazy-good promos—if they ask for payment in crypto or gift cards, it’s likely a scam.
🎲 Stick to legit, licensed betting platforms regulated in your state.
- Phishing Emails & Texts 📧
Scammers send fake emails or texts pretending to be from the NCAA, sportsbooks, or streaming services. These messages often promise exclusive deals or warn about urgent account issues—but they’re really trying to steal your login or payment info.
🔍 Double-check the sender before clicking on links.
🔒 Never enter personal info on a site you didn’t navigate to yourself.
- Free Streaming Scams 📺
We all love free stuff, but clicking on sketchy “free” streaming links could cost you a lot more than a cable bill. Many of these sites install malware on your device, stealing personal data or infecting your system.
✔️ Stick to official streaming sources like CBS, ESPN, or the NCAA app.
❌ If a site asks you to download extra software, it’s a red flag.
Protect Your Brackets AND Your Bank Account!
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay alert, share this with fellow fans, and let’s keep March Madness scam-free!
Stay safe. Stay #CyberFlexed. 🏀