Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-25**Lead**
A new wave of fraudulent promotional codes is circulating online ahead of the upcoming NFL matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks. The codes, which falsely claim to offer a “Play $10, Get $50” bonus from the daily fantasy sports platform Underdog Fantasy, use names like “FOXNEWS” to appear legitimate. Cybersecurity analysts are urging fans to verify any such offers through official channels before providing personal or financial information. No official partnership between Underdog Fantasy and FOX News has been announced, and the promo code appears to be part of a broader phishing campaign targeting sports bettors.
**Context**
The NFL season generates immense interest in fantasy sports and betting promotions. Underdog Fantasy is a real, legal daily fantasy sports operator in the United States, offering pick’em contests and other games. However, like many popular platforms, it has become a frequent target for scammers who create fake referral links, discount codes, and bonus offers. The code “FOXNEWS” is not listed on Underdog’s official promotions page, nor has it been promoted by any verified FOX News affiliate. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), fraudulent sports betting promotions often spike during high-profile games such as the Chiefs vs Seahawks, as scammers exploit fans’ excitement.
Similar scams have been documented in previous seasons. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued an alert about “too-good-to-be-true” sign-up bonuses for sports betting platforms, noting that many lead to identity theft or unauthorized charges. The pattern is consistent: a user receives an unsolicited email, social media post, or text message with a code promising free money. After clicking, they are directed to a fake login page that mimics Underdog’s interface. Credentials entered there are captured by attackers. In some cases, victims are asked to deposit funds to “unlock” the bonus, only to find the platform never credits the promised amount.
The Chiefs vs Seahawks game draws particular attention because both teams have large fan bases and the matchup is expected to have high viewership. Scammers often target games with heavy betting volume. The use of “FOXNEWS” as a code name suggests an attempt to borrow credibility from a major news network, a tactic known as brand hijacking. While FOX News does have a sports division (FOX Sports), it does not operate betting promotions with Underdog. Official sportsbook and daily fantasy offers are typically announced on the platforms’ own websites and verified social media accounts.
**Analysis**
The proliferation of fake promo codes poses a significant security risk to consumers, especially those new to online sports betting. Unlike established scams that ask for upfront payments, these codes often request minimal initial information—an email address and password—which can then be used to compromise other accounts if the user reuses passwords. The promise of a 5x return on a $10 investment is designed to lower defenses. Security researcher at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have noted that such offers are a common entry point for credential stuffing attacks.
Beyond individual harm, these scams erode trust in legitimate sports betting operators. Underdog Fantasy has previously published warnings on its website about unauthorized third parties using its brand. The company advises users to only use codes obtained from its official email newsletter, verified social media handles, or direct affiliate partnerships listed on its site. The appearance of the “FOXNEWS” code—which has no connection to either FOX News or Underdog—suggests that scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their branding. This trend mirrors broader cybersecurity challenges where attackers leverage recognizable names to lower victims’ guard.
Regulatory implications also arise. As sports betting expands across the United States, state gaming commissions are under pressure to ensure consumer protections. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, for example, has fined platforms for failing to prevent fraudulent promotions. However, enforcement against third-party scammers who use fake codes is more difficult, as these actors often operate from outside the country. Consumers are encouraged to report suspicious offers to the FTC, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and the platform itself.
**Fontes** - Better Business Bureau (BBB) scam alerts on sports betting promotions. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) consumer alert on sports betting scams. - Underdog Fantasy official website and safety guidelines. - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) public advisories on credential harvesting. - New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement enforcement actions against unauthorized promotions.