Computer Betting Fraudster Sentenced

A man has been sentenced to more than two years in jail after setting up online betting accounts in the names of other people. [26 November 2011]

Computer betting fraudster sentencedThe fraudster set up online betting accounts with 888 Holdings and Betfair in the names of other people, then hacked into the betting company systems so that he consistently won on Blackjack with high rewards.

The fraudster and computer criminal won £50,000 from his crimes and tried to hide his identity by using a number of different names. Some names were variations of his own name, while others were obtained by identity theft when he intercepted emails containing personal details of other people.

Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud

• Ensure your anti-virus software, firewall and other computer security measures are up to date on your computer.
• Be wary of unsolicited phishing emails that ask you to click on a link, open an attachment or provide personal details directly. These can all be cons to install malware on your computer that can access your personal details and passwords or steal your identity to commit fraud.
• Get a copy of your credit file regularly and check it for any accounts that may have been opened in your name.
• If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud.

Read more about the online betting fraud arrest on Sussex Police’s website.

Please note that Action Fraud is not responsible for the content of external websites.

To report a fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online reporting tool.

Related links:
Identity fraud and theft
Betting fraud