Sacramento, CA asked in Gaming, Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for California

Q: Can I get a refund for winnings in a California casino app scam?

I played a casino app believing it was legal and won small amounts without issue. However, when I won $1000, the California-based owner of the app said I was only playing for virtual coins and threatened me if I reported him. I have CashApp history of payments related to this app. Is it possible to get a refund, and what actions can I take?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: You may have grounds to seek a refund if you can prove you were misled or defrauded by the app owner. California law takes fraudulent activities seriously, especially when there is evidence like your CashApp payment history showing financial transactions. Collect all messages, transaction receipts, and screenshots clearly showing the terms you believed you were agreeing to.

Consider reporting the incident immediately to the California Attorney General’s Office and your local law enforcement agency. Additionally, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as they handle online scams and fraudulent apps. Your evidence will be important, so keep everything organized and accessible.

Lastly, consult an attorney who handles consumer fraud or online scams to discuss potential legal remedies available to you. Threatening you to avoid reporting fraud is illegal, and authorities will take such threats seriously. You have options, and acting quickly increases your chances of recovering your money or achieving justice.

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