Australians are being offered up to $400 for use of their personal details by betting syndicates, leading to concerns about identity theft. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Your identity for cash

Australians have been warned about sharing their personal details online because of a rise in gambling syndicates offering money for setting up betting accounts in their names.

The documents are used to set up new accounts, helping syndicates bypass bookmaker’s restrictions.

Betting groups advertising on Facebook have been offering up to $400 to people who can provide their passport, driver’s license, and Medicare details. The documents are used to set up new accounts, helping syndicates bypass bookmaker’s restrictions.

However, the rise of the practice has caused concerns over the possibility of identity theft, with ID care, Australia’s national identity and cyber support service, warning members of the public never to share personal details with third parties over social media.

Avoiding restrictions

The practice of buying details in order to set up “bowler accounts” happens when syndicates struggle to find any bookmakers that will take their bets. While many of the strategies employed by the syndicates are profitable, they are also quickly flagged by operators, leading to restrictions or bans being placed on accounts.

we always need access to new accounts to continue operating effectively.”

One group advertising on Facebook promised to hand back accounts after six months, stating: “We use a strategy called arbitrage betting, where we exploit market inefficiencies and mispriced odds created by competition among bookmakers. Since bookmakers frown upon this practice and limit accounts, we always need access to new accounts to continue operating effectively.

“We will never use or share your ID for any purpose beyond betting-related activities. You can count on us to keep your data safe and provide the payment you’re promised.”

The offer was mostly available to men only, with most syndicates uninterested in acquiring accounts under female names, since the small proportion of female sports bettors was more likely to draw attention from compliance teams.

Money laundering concerns

While using bowler accounts is against the terms and conditions of betting sites, syndicates insist they are not breaching any laws with the offer. Authorities warned of the possibility of identity theft, with Services Australia spokesperson Hank Jongen telling Australians: “never share your Medicare details with anyone over social media.”

The practice has also caused concerns over money laundering, with personal details for new accounts also required to comply with Know Your Customer restrictions, which are intended to prevent gambling sites being used for large-scale money laundering.

one gambling syndicate was in control of over 100 accounts spread across several betting sites

Austrac, a government agency which monitors financial transactions to fight against money laundering and organized crime, stated recently that one gambling syndicate was in control of over 100 accounts spread across several betting sites.

“The bowler accounts were opened under the name of third parties in order to conceal the true identity of the individual responsible for placing the bets,” a statement from the agency read.

“The reporting entity submitted a suspicious matter report as the true source of funds was unclear, raising concerns that the syndicate could be laundering illicit funds through gambling platforms on behalf of others.”