Nebraska BBB warns sports fans about streaming scams that can cost you hundreds

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — As we get into fall sports in Nebraska the Better Business Bureau warns against fraudulent sports streaming services.

The BBB of Nebraska’s Josh Planos says streaming scams come in different forms, and always target unsuspecting individuals.

“Scammers are aware that this is a growing market, and there is a regrowing pool, of people that is, willing to pay a certain amount of money to have access to these games,” he said.

The BBB reported a small number of cases in Nebraska in 2021 but says the scams are spreading like wildfire.

“We have seen this not just here in Nebraska, it’s not just regionally,” said Planos.

He said state associations that oversee high school athletics in New Mexico, Indiana, and North Carolina all issued warnings about the scams.

“The anticipation is that these types of streams and these types of scams are going to increase in 2022,” said Planos.

Speaking up the first time you encounter a false link or streaming site can save you or others from losing hundreds of dollars.

“If at all possible pay by credit card when you can,” he said. “There are built-in layers of fraud protection that credit cards provide the other forms of payment do not so even though you know the likelihood is when you are scammed you are not seeing that money.”