Arizona Department of Gaming issues public warning as devilish scam sees a spike

The ADG says that legitimate organizations will never contact individuals to inform them of a 'win'.

PUBLISHED AUG 28, 2024

Be cautious of unsolicited calls, particularly those requesting immediate financial transactions.

Phoenix, Arizona: The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has issued a public service announcement (PSA) warning residents of a sharp increase in gaming scam calls across Arizona and nearby states. These scammers are impersonating officials from various gaming organizations, including the ADG, the National Indian Gaming Commission, and the Indian Gaming Association, in an attempt to steal personal information and money from unsuspecting individuals.

The ADG emphasizes that legitimate organizations such as the ADG, Tribal gaming regulators, and national gaming agencies will never contact individuals to inform them of a "win" or sweepstakes, nor will they demand payment of delinquent taxes or fees.

Tips from Arizona AG's office

Verify Information: Always hang up and verify the legitimacy of the call by directly contacting the organization the caller claims to represent using the official phone numbers listed on their websites.

Be Skeptical: Be cautious of unsolicited calls, particularly those requesting immediate financial transactions.

No Cryptocurrency Payments: Legitimate businesses will never ask for payment in cryptocurrency. If someone demands it, it is a scam.

Secure Personal Information: Never share sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords over the phone.

Consult Trusted Individuals: Before making any significant financial decisions, especially those involving digital currencies, consult with a trusted friend or family member.

Report Suspicious Activity: If something feels wrong, it likely is. Report the incident to local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

The ADG also highlights the rise of business, government, and job impersonation scams, where fraudsters pretend to be trusted entities to trick individuals into sending money. Additionally, "You've Won" scams are becoming more common, where victims are informed they have won a prize but must pay fees or taxes to claim it. The ADG reminds the public that there is no prize, and sharing financial information with these scammers only leads to further exploitation.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud is encouraged to file a consumer complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office or report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their online reporting system or contact their confidential helpline at 1-800-NEXTSTEP.