Streaming Scams on the Rise: How to Find Safe Esports Sites

Look out for very few people watching, the same video playing over and over, if the account isn't verified with a blue tick, and if they're promising things that sound too good to be true like "free airtime" or "guaranteed wins." Also, check if the esports event is listed on official Kenyan esports websites.

Yes, kabisa! Scammers love to target big events like the East Africa Gaming Convention or big CS:GO tournaments to trick viewers with streams that look like the real deal.

A verified badge (that blue tick) next to a channel's name means that Twitch or YouTube Gaming has confirmed that the account really belongs to that person or organization. You can trust that the official accounts of esports teams and tournament organizers will always have one.

They often use bots – programs that automatically send messages – to flood the chat with fake comments like "I just won big!" or "Got my free bonus!" to make you think it's a legit stream and create haraka haraka (urgency).

Report it immediately! On Twitch, you can right-click on the stream title and select "Report." This helps Twitch take action quickly. You can also report on YouTube Gaming and other platforms.

Go directly to the official website or social media pages of the tournament. They usually have links to the confirmed streaming channels and schedules. Check the tournament organizer's official Facebook page for confirmation.

Definitely not always! Official streams sometimes run promotions, but they'll send you to trusted partner websites or give you notifications within the app itself. Be very careful of dodgy links in the chat or overlays – those are usually scams.

These scams happen everywhere – YouTube, Facebook Gaming, TikTok, you name it! The tricks they use might be a little different, but the goal is always the same: to kutoa pesa (steal money) from viewers.

Yes, esports is a legitimate form of competition, just like traditional sports. However, like any online activity, it can attract scammers and fraudulent activities. It's crucial to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid falling victim to scams, especially when betting on esports events.

Yes, professional esports players can earn money through salaries, tournament winnings, sponsorships, and streaming. However, for most people, esports is a hobby or a form of entertainment rather than a primary source of income. Be wary of promises of easy money or guaranteed wins in esports betting, as these are often signs of scams.

Look for these signs: unsolicited messages or offers, requests for personal information or money upfront, poor grammar and spelling, and pressure to act quickly. Always verify the legitimacy of the offer before engaging with the person or organization. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Gambling scams come in many forms, including fake betting tips, rigged casino games, and fraudulent bonus offers. Scammers often target vulnerable individuals with promises of guaranteed winnings or inside information. They may also use phishing techniques to steal personal and financial information. Always gamble responsibly and only with licensed and reputable operators.