Medium riskOnline Shopping

Betting Tipster Scam

In this scam, a tipster sells access to 'guaranteed' or 'inside' betting or trading tips for a fee or subscription, using faked results and testimonials, while most subscribers lose money.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Advance-fee (fake tips)
Main red flag
A tipster guaranteeing winning bets or trades for a paid subscription.
What to do first
Be sceptical; no one can guarantee winning bets, and faked results are common.

Understanding this scam

In this scam, a tipster sells access to 'guaranteed' or 'inside' betting or trading tips for a fee or subscription, using faked results and testimonials, while most subscribers lose money.

Online shopping scams use fake stores, unbelievable deals, and counterfeit or never-delivered goods to take your money and card details. Fake sites often surface through ads and social media and pressure you with limited-time offers.

If you take one thing from this guide, make it this: A tipster guaranteeing winning bets or trades for a paid subscription. Be sceptical; no one can guarantee winning bets, and faked results are common.

If your message looks slightly different, check the Online Casino Scam or the Betting Bonus Text Scam, both are close cousins of this pattern. Every related guide lives in the Online Shopping Scams guides, and the scam checker can scan the text you received.

A typical example

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Join my VIP tips, 95% win rate guaranteed! Pay the monthly fee and start winning today.' Results are faked.

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

The tell here: A tipster guaranteeing winning bets or trades for a paid subscription.

What the data shows

Top category
online shopping is one of the most-reported fraud categories to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that started on social media in 2023, where many fake shops advertise
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Warning signs

  • Guarantees of winning bets or trades
  • Faked screenshots of profits and testimonials
  • A paid subscription or one-off fee for 'inside' tips
  • Pressure to join before spots fill
  • Requests to bet through specific links

Your safest response

  • Be sceptical of guaranteed wins and 'inside' tips
  • Avoid paying for tips based on faked results
  • Research the tipster for verifiable, independent records
  • Report misleading schemes

If you have already engaged

  • If you paid, check refund options and dispute if misled
  • Stop following the tips and any further upsells
  • Keep messages and records as evidence
  • Report the tipster

What to avoid

  • Do not pay for 'guaranteed' winning tips
  • Do not trust screenshots as proof
  • Do not bet through tipster-provided links

You might also see

High risk Online Shopping

Online Casino Scam

In this scam, an unlicensed online casino lures players with big bonuses, lets them 'win' on screen, then blocks withdrawals behind endless verification, fees, or wagering rules, keeping their deposits.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Text Message

Betting Bonus Text Scam

This scam texts a free bet, casino bonus, or 'winnings' to claim, linking to a fake page that collects your card, ID, and account details, or signs you up to charges.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Social Media

Get-Rich Coaching Scam

In this scam, a self-styled mentor messages you promising fast wealth from trading, crypto, or e-commerce, selling expensive courses, 'mentorship', or signal groups built on fake screenshots and lifestyle images.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Questions people ask

Can a tipster guarantee winning bets?
No. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed, and 'guaranteed' tips with faked results are a scam. Most subscribers end up losing money.
The results looked impressive. Real?
Profit screenshots and win rates are easily faked. Look for verifiable, independent records before paying anything.
I paid for tips. Can I get a refund?
Check refund options, dispute the charge if you were misled, keep your evidence, and report the tipster.
Why do they push specific links?
They may earn referral money or steer you to rigged platforms. Be wary of tipsters directing you to bet through their links.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.