Gambling scams are rising fast, with criminals using fake online casino and slot machine sites to trick people into sending money. This predatory practice is known as "scambling" or "ding ding" and is having a significant impact on Indigenous communities.
Financial counsellors say that in some Northern Territory communities, up to 90 per cent of their clients have transaction patterns on their bank statements consistent with scambling activity. Losses are already in the millions of dollars, and First Nations people are being disproportionally targeted.
But while the problem is growing, so is awareness. The more everyone talks about these scams, the better protected families and communities will be.
How the scam works
Criminals set up gambling websites and apps that look legitimate. They're often promoted through social media posts or referral links shared in community groups. The promise is tempting: free spins, big bonuses, easy wins.
But once you try to withdraw your "winnings", the site vanishes or blocks you. In many cases, victims are pressured to keep sending more money until their bank accounts are drained.
One common trick used by criminals is to ask people to pay using PayID. PayID is a trusted payment method that makes sending money simple. It works by showing the name of the person or business you're paying before you hit "send". Used properly, it can help avoid mistakes.
But scammers misuse this trust. If you're asked to use PayID for an online casino or slot machine site, it's a red flag and could be a scam.
Warning signs to look out for
There are several clear red flags anyone can pay attention to:
- Online casinos and online slot machines are illegal in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. If you come across one, it's not legitimate.
- Social media ads or referral links promising quick wins or bonuses.
- Pressure to deposit funds quickly or threats that an offer will "expire".
- Being asked to download third-party apps from an untrustworthy source. Some even appear in app stores to look convincing.
Protecting your community
Scams like this spread fast because they rely on word-of-mouth and messaging apps. But the same networks can also be our strength. By sharing warnings and looking out for each other, communities can stop scammers in their tracks.
If you've been targeted or know someone who has, here are steps you can take:
- Never transfer money via PayID or bank transfer to online casinos and online slot machine sites.
- Check whether a gambling operator is legal here. If the site is not listed here, it is likely to be operating illegally and as a 'scambling' website.
- You can also report scams via Scamwatch here.
- Check whether a gambling operator is legal by visiting acma.gov.au/check-if-gambling-operator-legal. If the site is not listed here, it is likely to be operating illegally and as a 'scambling' website.
- Report suspicious websites to acma.gov.au/interactive-gambling-complaint-form.
- If you see a 'scambling' website on your social media account, report the link to the social media site as a gambling scam.
- If you've already paid money, contact your bank straight away and ask them to block any further payments.
- Seek support from the National Debt Helpline on: 1800 007 007, or from your local police office.
This report was produced with the support of AP+ /PayID.
