FAKE GAMBLING PLATFORMS TARGETING FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE IN REMOTE WA
Fake online gambling websites are taking advantage of people in remote WA.
By Daniel Burdon
First Nations people in the Pilbara are being targeted by fake online gambling and casino platforms designed to steal deposits and pressure victims into recruiting family and friends.
It comes as people across WA have been targeted by online scams involvnig gift cards, with a total of $1 million lost in the gift card scams this year.
But Consumer Protection also told Ngaarda Media that scam data showed Aboriginal people were being lured onto websites and apps that appeared to offer legitimate betting or casino games.
The platforms may initially show users apparent winnings before blocking withdrawals and demanding further payments.
“First Nations people are being lured into fake online gambling and casino platforms that manipulate results,” Consumer Protection’s Amy Wall said.
“It looks legitimate and convinces people to deposit their money for the purpose of betting, but then it doesn’t let them withdraw the money or demands more money from them.”
Some schemes also encourage victims to bring other people onto the platform, potentially spreading losses through families and communities.
The warning is particularly relevant in regional and remote communities, where scammers may exploit isolation, limited access to support services or people’s trust in recommendations shared by relatives and friends.
Ms Wall said people living in remote areas were also reporting romance, online shopping and investment scams.
The government is urging people to pause before transferring money, buying gift cards or sharing financial details, particularly when someone was applying pressure or promising fast returns.
“If it doesn’t seem right, get a family member or a trusted friend to come and have a look,” Ms Wall said.
“Just stop, have a think. If they start pushing, it might not be the real thing.”
The warning comes as Western Australians have lost more than $1 million through scams involving gift card payments this year.
Consumer Protection said reported gift card losses had already increased by 56 per cent compared with the whole of 2025, with older people increasingly targeted through romance scams.
In one case, a WA woman sent $77,000 worth of gift cards to a scammer posing as an overseas love interest, despite retail workers warning her about the risk.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said scammers were coaching victims to avoid suspicion by claiming the gift cards were for birthdays or family members.
Victims were also being directed to visit several stores and make smaller purchases rather than buying a large number of cards in one place.
Once a scammer receives the serial numbers, the cards can be quickly sold or redeemed, leaving victims with little chance of recovering their money.
Ms Wall said that once that serial number was handed over, the value of the gift card wa quickly gone.
“It’s almost impossible for people to get their money back,” she said.
Consumer Protection said no legitimate employer, business or government department would ask for payment through gift cards.
Community members are encouraged to speak with family, Elders or a trusted support person before sending money to someone they have only met online.
People who believe they have encountered a scam can contact WA ScamNet on 1300 30 40 54.
Ms Wall said “There’s no shame in reporting.”
“They’re there to help, even if it’s just to ask a question.”