The gambling industry has always attracted scammers and cybercriminals whose main goal is to defraud users and embezzle their funds. Despite the strict laws and legal regulation of gambling in the Netherlands, online casinos continue to be hit and targeted by schemes and scams. In order to avoid potentially dangerous situations, it is important for users to understand what tactics, techniques and tools attackers may use.
In this article, written in conjunction with https://cruks-casinos.com, we take a look at the most common types of fraud you may encounter in the gambling industry, the most obvious signs and traits, and practical tips to help you avoid unpleasant situations.
How Fraud in the Gambling Industry Works
Fraud in the gambling industry can take many forms, from the use of fake sites to manipulation of the gameplay. Despite the fact that most licensed casinos in the Netherlands are strictly regulated by government authorities, illegal and dubious sites continue to exist and defraud local users. Let’s take a look at the most common threats to information security in the world of gambling.
Fake Sites
One of the most common types of fraud is the launch of fake projects, the main purpose of which is to deceive the audience and get your personal data. The sites of such can look almost identical to real online casinos, offer the same game lobby entertainment and bonuses. But as soon as you make a deposit or get your first winnings, it will be impossible to withdraw this money as it will be immediately frozen.
To avoid such situations, always check if the online casino you choose has a licence. In the Netherlands, all legal projects must be mandatorily licensed by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the body that oversees the local gambling market. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a site, check its presence in the official registers of licensed operators. The exception may be mirror sites, but their status can be clarified with the teams of official projects.
Gameplay Manipulation
Fraudsters may also try to manipulate the results of games, especially at unlicensed online casinos. To do this, they integrate fake random number generators (RNGs) into the sites’ systems, whose algorithms are set up in such a way as to completely control game results and provide an advantage to the online casino.
The answer is again simple: register at official and licensed online casino sites that use certified CRGs. The developers of such projects will not be able to deceive their audience, as their systems are regularly independently audited by reputable companies such as eCOGRA or GLI, which guarantees the integrity of the gaming process.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are one of the most common information security threats that fraudsters can use to get hold of your personal data or financial assets. Attacks usually occur through sending fake emails or messages that look like they are sent on behalf of the online casino administration. They may contain links to fake websites or requests for confidential information.
Never click on links from suspicious messages or enter your details on unverified sites. Always access an online casino site through the official address and check for HTTPS protocol in the URL (address bar).
Bonus Scams
Scammers often lure online casino users with large bonuses and promotions, the terms of which often seem too good to be true. But often after depositing and fulfilling all the conditions, it is impossible to withdraw winnings due to hidden rules and wagering requirements.
Carefully study the terms and conditions of bonuses before activating them. Legal online casinos always specify clear wagering requirements and other rules for working with special offers.
How to Recognise Fraudulent Sites
There are several criteria, evaluating which you can check the reputation and reliability of the online casino site:
- Lack of licence – all legal online casinos in the Netherlands must have a KSA licence;
- Low security – if the site does not use data encryption (e.g. no SSL certificate), your personal data and financial assets can be stolen;
- Inability to withdraw funds – if an online casino’s payment processor delays your withdrawal or refuses to process your transaction without giving you a reason, this is a clear sign of fraud;
- Lack of transparency in bonuses – if the terms and conditions and rules of bonuses seem opaque, refuse to register on the site of such an online casino.
Follow these recommendations and treat the choice of sites for gambling carefully and responsibly, so as not to become a victim of fraudsters.
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud
Apart from checking your licence, there are other actions that can reduce the risks of signing up to fraudulent online casino sites. Here are a few recommendations to help you protect your personal data and finances.
Use Secure Payment Methods
Choose only trusted and reliable payment services for deposits and withdrawals. In the Netherlands, these include iDEAL, PayPal, Skrill and bank transfers. They protect your financial assets and minimise the risk of fraud.
Study Reviews
Before registering at a new online casino site, read reviews from other users on specialised forums. Negative comments about withdrawal difficulties, slow support service and other harsh remarks are a clear sign that you should avoid this project.
Do Not Share Your Personal Data
Never give your passwords, logins or bank details to third parties. Representatives of legitimate online casinos never ask for such data via email or social media.
Set Limits
All licensed online casinos adhere to the principles of responsible gambling and offer their audience many tools that users can use to prevent the development of gambling addiction. In particular, these include the ability to set limits on deposits, time spent and betting amounts. This approach not only helps to control your finances and level of involvement in the gaming process, but is also an effective way to protect you from fraud.