Possible Fraud via Sky Bet & Apple Pay

Wobblywibbly

Hi all, I’m looking for advice and reassurance as I’m in the middle of a fraud issue.

Recently, I discovered multiple Sky Bet transactions linked to my Apple Pay. I haven’t used Sky Bet for years (I only ever use Bet365 and Paddy Power). When I checked, money had been going in and out of my bank account through Sky Bet, leaving me with no funds to cover bills.

I contacted both Nationwide (my bank) and Sky Bet:

• Sky Bet’s response: They said their logs show the account was accessed “normally” (using my device/Apple Pay) and therefore they’re treating it as authorised. They’ve closed their investigation. Detailed that if I continue to peruse with no new information they will come after me legally. 
• Nationwide’s response so far: They told me Sky Bet is responsible, while Sky Bet told me the bank is responsible – I feel like I’m stuck in the middle.

My main concerns are:

1. I didn’t authorise these transactions, yet the logs apparently show they came from my device.
2. I’m worried my phone may have been compromised (malware or remote access).
3. I’m scared the bank or Sky Bet might think I’m lying because I do gamble on other apps (Bet365, Paddy Power), even though I haven’t touched Sky Bet in years.
4. I’ve also had other account issues recently (Netflix hack, emails in multiple data breaches, my partner also had fraud on her card).

What I’ve done so far:

• Changed my Sky Bet password and deleted the app (it weirdly reappeared a few times before).
• Changed my Apple ID and banking passwords.
• Contacted both Nationwide and Sky Bet.
• Started checking my iPhone for suspicious profiles/apps.

I’m now waiting on Nationwide’s fraud team, but I feel very anxious.

• Can the bank refuse to refund me just because Sky Bet says the logins were “legitimate”?
• Could I be at risk of legal action if the bank thinks I did this myself?
• What’s the best next step if Nationwide reject my claim?

Any advice or experiences with similar gambling fraud / Apple Pay fraud cases would be really appreciated.

MyRealNameToo

How have they identified that it was your device it was accessed via? They may not be willing to say but if not then ask them if they can confirm any details like the make/model of the device, the operating system version etc

You say you haven't used it in years, are you still using the same device as you had back then? What OS is it running? If not, what did you do with the old device? 

Wobblywibbly

They have said that the IP matches my geolocation. They have threatened me with legal action if I pursue this and I’m very reluctant to email them back as they have stated they will no longer correspond with me regarding this matter. 

Yes it’s the same device from my last authentic log in. I’m not sure what OS it is using. I did have it on my old device but it appears to have been running in my safari I had 32 hours safari browsing last week which about 32 hours more than my usual 

MyRealNameToo

Wobblywibbly said:

They have said that the IP matches my geolocation. They have threatened me with legal action if I pursue this and I’m very reluctant to email them back as they have stated they will no longer correspond with me regarding this matter. 

Yes it’s the same device from my last authentic log in. I’m not sure what OS it is using. I did have it on my old device but it appears to have been running in my safari I had 32 hours safari browsing last week which about 32 hours more than my usual 

Sounds like you have already !!!!!! them off with lots of emails which is why they arent engaging. 

Geolocation by IP will simply mean that the device that was used was roughly in the area that you are but its fairly broad brush stroke stuff and can be manipulated fairly easily. Even if accurate it still covers a fairly significant geographical area. I show up as being 7 miles from where I really am. 

On the basis you mention safari it suggests you are using an iPhone, on the basis you dont know your iOS version that would suggest you arent running a jailbroken device. Malware can impact iPhones, but being able to control a particular app and place bets, withdraw funds etc goes well beyond anything I've heard of.

Do you live with anyone else? Could they have accessed your phone? 

Wobblywibbly

I have only engaged with them once to raise the issue. 

Ah thanks for the clarity on the geoloctation matter wasn’t sure what they meant by that or how accurate it is!

I don’t run anything jail broken etc I don’t have a clue what’s happened to be honest. I have looked in to somethings a little but I’m no coding expert or a big tech guy. 

A bet or two maybe someone else but 32 hours on safari and looking at the sky bet account it has staked 31k on bets with a return of 30k which is a hell of a lot of bets to be conducted 

Marvel1

Check this site in relation to your other breaches:
https://haveibeenpwned.com/

Email listed, then change every password for every site that has the same password.

Wobblywibbly

Marvel1 said:

Email listed, then change every password for every site that has the same password.

Just checked this site and I have 5 data breaches for my email address! I have already started securing my accounts but would make sense that something is out there as my Netflix was reactivated as well