Poker Players Targeted by Global Payments Scam

Poker players are being targeted by a sophisticated fraud scheme that exploits personal information to steal funds from their bank accounts. The scam, which has affected high-profile players such as Todd Witteles, Phil Galfond, Joseph Cheong, Kyna England, and Kathy Liebert, involves the use of Global Payments Inc and their Gaming Services division, which processes most legalized online gambling sites in the US.

Todd Witteles, the founder of Poker Fraud Alert, was hit for $10,000 by the fraudsters and conducted a deep investigation into the scheme. The scam works by depositing from the victim’s bank account by accessing previously used bank account information and an eCheck system. A new Venmo account is created in the victim's name, and a Venmo Debit Mastercard is taken out to match that account. The deposit from the victim’s account – which so far has been as much as $10k – is then withdrawn to the new fake Venmo debit card. It is then sent from the fake Venmo account to a separate, unrelated Venmo account, and the money is gone.

Kyna England, a Chicago pro, managed to claw back her stolen money but is now being chased by Global Payments Inc with obnoxious demand letters. Witteles reported on PokerFraudAlert.com’s forums that Kyna privately showed him the letter she received, which is demanding she jump through hoops in order to prove she doesn't owe the money. Others have received these letters as well. Kathy Liebert also revealed she had received a letter from Global Payments Inc demanding money, and Witteles has been in contact with a Global Payments manager to complain. Witteles adds: “This is unfair to place such a burden upon victims of a well known scheme. One of the victims is named Kyna England. Another is *** *****. They have shown me the letters the have received.” Witteles ends with: “While I realize you cannot provide me details regarding other players, I am urging Global Payments to stop sending these collections letters and write this fraud off as you told me was the plan. It is not fair to require these players to file police reports or get notarized letters in order to be reimbursed for fraud which largely occurred due to negligence on the part of BetMGM, Viejas, and Global Payments.”