Wanted: Casino "Testing" or Matched Betting Scam Information

[b3286a9b]

Hi everyone!

I lead the fraud investigation operations for a regulated US online casino. We've been following some leads on some fraudsters and have consequentially discovered that scammers are running these "Matched Betting" and "Casino Website Testing" schemes on Upwork in an attempt to steal identity information and leverage this information to create accounts using the victim's identity, in some instances coercing the individual to assist with money laundering. I'm hoping that someone may be able to help us with this investigation.

Here's are some examples of the job listings that are being used to recruit Upwork users: https://imgur.com/a/R7IdKBj 

Based on our investigation thus far, we've determined that there's two main methods of operation for this scam:

1. Coinbase -> PayPal Money Laundering - The scammers will have you create one or more casino accounts using your personal information, in some cases creating a new email address and PayPal account. The scammers will load funds to the PayPal account via Coinbase and instruct you to play/withdraw the funds. This is money laundering.
   
   
2. First Deposit Bonus Abuse - The scammers will have you create one or more casino accounts and make a deposit in order to claim a First Deposit Offer. The scammers need separate identities for this scam, as you're only allowed to have one account per ID on any casino site with half-decent KYC measures. We believe that the scammers overtake control of the account after the deposit has been made, subsequently the victim will lose any deposited funds/winnings.

In any event, if you've participated in these activities within the United States you are likely participating in money laundering or some sort of other illegal activity.

If this sounds like you - either you've participated in one of these offers and/or you've actively participated in one of these offers, I would love to hear from you. We're specifically looking for:

• Any information you may be able to provide in regards to the identiyty of the individual(s) operating these schemes
• Further details, screenshots or other records of the inner workings of these schemes
• Any other information you believe may help our investigation

We're working closely with our multiple law enforcement agencies on this case, so any information you may be able to provide would be super helpful.

Thank you!

[colettelewis]

I'm sure a worthy mission - but you're going to have to provide bona fide proof of your "law enforcement" agencies, before people get scammed again. Just sayin' ... 

[b3286a9b]

I'm not claiming to be from any law enforcement agency; we actively work with local, state and Federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute fraudsters. I'm looking for information to help us take down these scammers - I'm not looking for any individual's personal information, with the exception of the individual(s) actively defrauding innocent people. Thanks.

[colettelewis]

Jeff, I think you will have to spread the net a bit - local, state and Federal law enforcement will not be able to act meaningfully outside the United States. These scams are not confined to your shores. 

[9c8f0515]

I have no info on this for you, but my question is, what do you think Upworks role in this is in allowing these types of scams to post in the first place?

[b3286a9b]

I think it's a tough spot for Upwork as most of these guys are recruiting individuals under the guise of "website testing", especially as they're using private offers.

No legitimate, regulated US casino would be outsourcing any development/testing work on Upwork.  With that said, I'd hope that Upwork is removing the offers if/when they are reported... We shall see! 🙂 

[martina_plaschka]

Many people have reported this kind of scam in the forum, they might be willing to talk to you. 

[b3286a9b]

I'm hoping so! We've seen a significant increase in these types of scams and would like to stop them once and for all.

[martina_plaschka]

While you're at it, upwork could use some help to stop the crypto scammers and the advance fee scammers too. 

[halla-warner]

So glad I denied the request every time. They kept sending it over and over and over again eventually I denied all requests from them. They're really dogged about trying to get people to join, even after you've declined once or twice.

[b3286a9b]

Glad to hear you didn't fall for this!

[wescowley]

I've been invited to bid on this specific job and others like it many times, and I've reported them to Upwork. I've always believed they were scamming the freelancer, the casino, or both, but even if not, they are clearly stating they'll violate Upwork's circumvention rules. 

[martina_plaschka]

Some asked people to travel to New Jersey....