McAfee Research Finds One in Three Americans Have Experienced a Betting Scam Ahead of College Basketball’s Biggest Tournament

Study shows how scammers target sports fans and highlights tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector that can help people spot suspicious betting offers before they click

• One in four Americans (24%) have lost money to betting or gambling scams — with an average loss of $547
• Private messages promising “guaranteed wins” are the most common scam tactic (17%), and people see the most sports betting promotions and offers on social media (56%)
• Just 48% of Americans feel confident they'd be able to identify an AI-generated betting scam

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As nearly 100 million¹ Americans get ready to place bets or fill out brackets for college basketball’s biggest tournament, widely considered the most bet-on event in the U.S. sports calendar², new research from McAfee finds that scams are becoming part of the experience. According to the study, one in three Americans (32%) say they’ve personally experienced a betting or gambling scam and 24% report losing money, with victims losing an average of $547 – showing the importance of tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector, which can help fans spot red flags before it’s too late.

While legitimate betting promotions flood feeds and broadcasts ahead of major sporting events – with 82% of Americans saying they’ve seen this type of promotion or offer in the past year – scammers can blend in, reaching fans through direct messages, social media links, emails, and texts that promise easy wins or exclusive tips.

Betting already involves taking a chance and scammers are increasingly exploiting that mindset with fake promotions and impersonation scams designed to separate fans from their money during moments of peak excitement, like the college basketball championship tournament.

“Guaranteed Wins” and Insider Tips: How betting scams hook fans

Betting scams often start with promises that sound too good to pass up. About one in six Americans say they’ve received messages promising “guaranteed wins,” “sure bets,” or “can’t lose” outcomes, tactics commonly used to lure fans looking for an edge.

Once a victim engages, the interaction often escalates quickly. 42% say they’ve been asked to click a link sent via email tied to a betting offer, while 40% report receiving links through social media messages and 34% through text messages directing them to betting sites, apps, or private betting groups.

In many cases, they’re then told they need to send money, through payment apps or links, to unlock winnings, activate a betting account that doesn’t exist, or access “premium” tips.

“When big events like the college basketball championship tournament come around, fans are excited, and moving fast to place winning bets – and scammers know that,” said Abhishek Karnik, Head of Threat Research at McAfee. “Fake tip accounts, betting groups, and promotions are easier than ever to create at scale, and they’re designed to blend in with legitimate betting content. The best defense is to slow down, be skeptical of unsolicited offers, and take a moment to check links, messages, or QR codes before engaging. Tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector can add an extra layer of protection by helping people spot suspicious content before it turns into a costly mistake.”

Who is losing the most to betting scams

Exposure to betting scams isn’t evenly distributed. Americans under 45 are more than twice as likely (44%) to report experiencing a betting or gambling scam as those over 45 (19%).

Men are also more likely to report encountering betting scams, with 40% saying they’ve experienced one, compared with 25% of women.

As sports betting conversations increasingly take place online — from social media posts to betting communities and tip-sharing groups — scammers are targeting the same spaces where fans look for advice, promotions, and predictions.

How fans are responding to betting scams

Despite growing exposure to betting scams, many Americans say they are taking steps to protect themselves. The most common steps include not responding to unsolicited betting messages (37%), avoiding links from unknown sources (34%), using strong passwords (33%), using two-factor authentication (31%), and only using licensed sportsbooks (29%).

How to avoid betting scams

Just like in basketball, a strong defense can make all the difference. Here are three ways fans can protect themselves from betting scams:

• Play defense with scam detection tools. AI-powered tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector can help identify suspicious links, QR codes, messages, and websites in the background before you engage, adding an extra layer of protection while you focus on the game.
• Don’t fall for the fake. Scammers often promise “guaranteed wins” or insider tips to make their offers seem legitimate. In reality, no betting service can guarantee a winning pick.
• Take a timeout before you click. Scammers rely on urgency and excitement, especially during big games. Pausing to verify a betting offer or link can help prevent costly mistakes.

If you or someone you know needs help

Sports betting can be fun, but for some people it can become difficult to manage. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available through the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-MY-RESET), operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Methodology

A McAfee survey focused on sports betting scams and betting-related promotions was conducted online in February 2026. 1,000 adults in the United States, age 18+, participated in the study.

The survey explored Americans’ experiences with sports betting promotions, exposure to betting-related scams, and financial losses tied to betting offers, as well as how consumers evaluate and respond to betting tips, apps, and online promotions during major sporting events.

About McAfee

McAfee Corp. is a global leader in online protection for consumers. Focused on safeguarding people in an always-online world, McAfee’s solutions adapt to user needs, empowering individuals and families with secure, intuitive tools. For more information, visit www.mcafee.com.

¹ https://www.si.com/college/2023/03/12/has-anyone-ever-had-perfect-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-bracket
² https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/march-madness-betting-projected-hit-115900467.html