Politics
Online Gambling Scams Target Māori with Fake Stories and Profiles

Online gambling sites are increasingly using fake identities and false success stories to attract Māori individuals, raising serious concerns about potential scams. Hapai te Hauora Māori Public Health has issued a warning to the public, urging vigilance as these fraudulent platforms exploit imagery and narratives that resonate with Māori culture.
The Chief Operating Officer of Hapai te Hauora, Jason Alexander, highlighted the troubling trend of scammers creating elaborate profiles that appropriate real images from whānau, assigning them fictitious names, and fabricating enticing success stories. “We’ve received numerous messages from individuals who have encountered these deceptive posts and deepfake videos endorsing gambling products,” Alexander noted. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “It’s really dangerous. Many of these profiles are clear scams, and we cannot determine whether they link to legitimate online casinos or are merely attempts to acquire personal credit card information.”
The tactics employed by these scammers are particularly concerning. Alexander pointed out that the fake posts often feature people with moko kauae, a traditional Māori facial tattoo, and leverage family connections to draw in vulnerable individuals. “If someone is at rock bottom, seeking an escape, they might see this as a potential lifeline, making them more susceptible to these scams,” he explained.
Hapai te Hauora is especially anxious about a recent government proposal to grant 15 licenses for online casinos. The organization advocates for stringent oversight to ensure that companies exhibiting fraudulent behavior do not receive these licenses. “We don’t believe that they will suddenly start acting ethically just because they obtain a license,” Alexander stated. He emphasized the need for greater awareness among whānau to prevent them from disclosing personal information to these fraudulent sites.
This warning follows actions taken by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) earlier this year, which included a crackdown on social media influencers promoting online gambling. In a related effort, the DIA recently cautioned ten university students regarding their promotion of overseas gambling websites on social media platforms.
As the prevalence of online gambling continues to rise, it is crucial for individuals, particularly within vulnerable communities, to remain informed and cautious. Hapai te Hauora is committed to educating the public about the risks associated with these scams and advocating for responsible gambling practices.
-
Sports1 month ago
Netball New Zealand Stands Down Dame Noeline Taurua for Series
-
Entertainment1 month ago
Tributes Pour In for Lachlan Rofe, Reality Star, Dead at 47
-
Sports1 month ago
Silver Ferns Legend Laura Langman Criticizes Team’s Attitude
-
Entertainment1 week ago
New ‘Maverick’ Chaser Joins Beat the Chasers Season Finale
-
Entertainment2 months ago
Khloe Kardashian Embraces Innovative Stem Cell Therapy in Mexico
-
Sports2 months ago
Gaël Monfils Set to Defend ASB Classic Title in January 2026
-
World3 months ago
Police Arrest Multiple Individuals During Funeral for Zain Taikato-Fox
-
Politics2 weeks ago
Netball NZ Calls for Respect Amid Dame Taurua’s Standoff
-
Entertainment3 weeks ago
Tyson Fury’s Daughter Venezuela Gets Engaged at Birthday Bash
-
Sports3 weeks ago
Heather McMahan Steps Down as Ryder Cup Host After Controversy
-
Entertainment3 weeks ago
Tyson Fury’s Daughter Venezuela Gets Engaged at Birthday Bash
-
World2 weeks ago
New Zealand Firefighters Plan Strike on October 17 Over Pay Disputes