CT Officials Warn Of DraftKings Scheme Which Has Led To 15 Arrests

CONNECTICUT — The state is cautioning people to avoid a new scheme targeting gaming operator DraftKings, as getting involved could lead to criminal charges.

The state Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division issued a warning Friday.

To date, 15 arrests have been made in its ongoing probe of the scam, and more are pending, according to the state.

Participation in the scheme, which falsely promises a big payoff, can lead to identity theft, larceny and computer crime-related charges, officials said.

Bryan T. Cafferelli, department commissioner, said if someone asks you to participate in a venture that sounds like fraud, then “it probably is.”

"Participating in this scheme is a crime," he said. "It’s unlikely you’ll land a big payoff, but it will likely result in your arrest."

The scheme starts out by someone asking you to open a gaming account. The person gives you a credit card and tells you to make a large deposit into your account. However, the credit cards are linked to stolen identities, officials said.

You are next urged to participate in gaming for a time. Next you are told to withdraw funds and deposit them into your own account. Finally, scheme organizers tell you to transfer funds via a payment app to a new account which they control, according to the state. The scheme organizers then keep most of the funds.

Kris Gilman, gaming director for the state Department of Consumer Protection, said scammers promise new recruits they won’t get caught - but they will.

“Identity theft and computer crimes are traceable,” Gilman said. “The message is clear: do not participate in this scam.”

The department advises people to never fund an online gaming account with a bank account that isn’t theirs. Also, never share your online gaming account credentials with anyone, Gilman said.

Report gaming-related issues or concerns to the department at DCP.Gaming@ct.gov.