Poker is an old and much-appreciated game. However, it also has an infamous reputation. Many people lose considerable amounts of money at poker. Moreover, some didn’t lose it as a result of game errors but because of scams. Here are the top seven most notorious poker scams that will help you steer clear of similar schemes.
1. The MSN Messenger Scam
Usually, scammers target novice players to make a quick buck. The general perception is that these people are easier to trick because they are new to the game. Hence, they focus more on the rules and are more likely to fall for scams.
However, one of the most famous poker scams involved two pro poker players, Johnny Lodden and Patrick Antonius. A novice player tricked them. As this player engaged in a poker game with them, he managed to gain their interest.
Then, he asked the players to contact him through MSN Messenger. This is how he infiltrated into their computers where he installed spyware. Next, he could see their cards, hence beat them.
The scammer managed to get $500,000 only from Patrick Antonius. However, this was not all. He then won $2 million by beating Lodden. Finally, he vanished and was never prosecuted.
2. Fake Sideline Reporters
Another similar and strikingly successful scam was orchestrated by Ali Tekintamgac. This infamous player tried to rise to fame and fortune at the Patrouche Poker Tour in France. There, he tried to cheat other players with the help of fake sideline reporters. Their role was to look at other players’ cards. Then, they had to communicate with Ali to pass the information.
However, the cameras recorded the cheating. Moreover, Ali was even sentenced to prison, which rarely happens for cheating at poker. Yet, even if the scam wasn’t successful, it’s a good example of how cheaters work.
3. The Soapy Smith Scam
Randolph Smith, aka Soapy Smith, was a famous con artist in his days. Smith had multiple with corrupt officials and law enforcement agents, which facilitated his work.
He manages to become a deputy sheriff while also owning several gambling dens.
The fact that these places became prohibited helped him make money. As a sheriff, he raided his own dens. Then, he arrested players who lost large amounts. Afterward, he let them go. Players were so happy they didn’t get prosecuted that they didn’t ask for their money back. Consequently, Soapy kept all their money.
4. Poker Staking Scams
Staking and backing are common ways to scam players at poker. Blonde Poker forum was one of the most notorious places where staking scams occurred.
The scam’s orchestrator was one of the oldest and most respected members of the forum, Neil Blatchly. Neil created a thread for poker staking. There, he lured people into contributing to a promising betting system. This is how he gathered over £70,000 from more than 40 people.
Initially, Neil claimed that the system worked perfectly. In theory, investors’ money generated profits of tens of thousands of pounds. However, nobody got any returns.
Then, as people started asking for their money back, Neil confessed it was gone. He said the money was lost in casino games. Actually, he stole and spent the money on things like vacations.
5. Offline Malware Scams
Some scammers don’t wait for an online opportunity to install spyware on players’ devices. Conversely, they first seize the device, then install the malware and return it. This happened to a group of pro poker players at the Art Hotel in Barcelona.
Players realized their laptops went missing from their rooms. Later, they reappeared. The victims reported the strange incident to the hotel’s staff. However, they didn’t seem very willing to help. Then, came further investigation. The conclusion was that the same authors took all the laptops to steal players’ data or install spyware.
6. The Invisible Ink Scam
Some scams sound like a thing of the past, however, they aren’t. One example took place in 2013 and it involved invisible ink. An Italian con artist who played poker in Cannes used the ink to mark cards. He did it with the help of two casino employees. Then, he used a pair of infrared contact lenses to see the cards.
The man made more than 70,000 euros by cheating this way. However, he was caught and sentenced to two years in prison. Moreover, he had to pay a fine of 100,000 euros.
7. Phil Ivey’s $10 Million Scams
Phil Ivey is one of the most famous poker players in history. However, his fame is not only the result of luck or clever game strategies. Ivey conned two casinos. He made more than $10 million from each at Craps and Baccarat.
He pulled his first $10 million scam in a London casino. There, he used cards with manufacturing defects he could recognize. Then, he replicated the trick in a casino in Atlantic City. Finally, the cheating came to light.
Bottom Line
Poker is fun and can be a lucrative activity. Players can make hefty winnings in little time. Nonetheless, losing is equally possible and the worst way to lose is being scammed. Therefore, remember these famous poker scams and be cautious when interacting with other players.
Brought to you by, Mount Equity Group.
