OHIO — High school football brings communities together to celebrate their school pride. When fans can’t attend in person, many choose to stream the games to cheer on their favorite team.
However, the increase in the amount of people streaming games has also increased the risk for scams.
That threat figures to only increase with the OHSAA playoffs beginning Friday night, leading the Better Business Bureau to warn fans to be extra vigilant.
What You Need To Know
- There has been an increase in high schools charging to watch live-streamed games
- Scammers have seized on the popularity by getting fans to turen over personal info, including credit card details
- Scammers often advertise fake streaming sites on social media platforms
- Better Business Bureau said anyone who falls victim should report it here
Judy Dollison, President of the BBB of Central Ohio, wants people to be cautious of scammers, especially on social media.
“We know that there will be more people trying to find a way to take advantage of you and that’s really unfortunate that as a community something that we get so excited about, right, is then a potential just to become a victim of scams,” she said.
Scammers usually will post fake links on social media platforms to lure people in. Dollison said those sites are how the scammers take their victim’s money and possibly more.
“When it comes time to watch the game, nothing has been established. All of that information was given to the scammer and your information has been compromised and your money has been lost,” she said.
Dollison said that these scams can negatively impact people’s bank accounts as well as their mental health.
“The scams and the emotional toll it has on their victims, not to mention the financial toll when they are, when they lose money,” she said.
The BBB wants people to report scams if they encounter one. You can do so at https://www.bbb.org/all/social-media-scams
