jackpot result 2018

2018 was a year filled with thrilling moments in the world of jackpots, from online casinos to physical slot machines. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most notable jackpot results from that year. Online Casinos Mega Moolah Biggest Win: In April 2018, a player known as “G.P.” won a staggering €18,915,872.81 on Microgaming’s Mega Moolah. Other Notable Wins: Several other players also hit significant jackpots, with amounts ranging from €5 million to €10 million. NetEnt’s Divine Fortune Frequent Wins: This slot saw multiple jackpot wins throughout the year.

  • Starlight Betting Lounge
    new
    Celestial Bet100% / $1500
    Casino popularity:
    Collecting more data...
    Payment methods
    • Mifinity
    • Google Pay
    • PIX
    • EcoPayz
    • Neteller
    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Sofort
    • Interac
    • Wagering: 35 x (b)
    • Withdrawal time: 1 days
    • Minimum deposit to casino: $30
    • Bonus max bet: $5
    • Established: 2024
    • Free Spins: 200
    • 1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Leading selection of slots
    • VISA casino site
    • HD streaming casino games
    • Newly unveiled casino
    • Signup offer now available
    • Mr. Gamble special bonuses
    Show more
  • Cash King Palace
    Royal Wins100% / $1500
    Casino popularity:
    Collecting more data...
    Payment methods
    • Mifinity
    • Google Pay
    • PIX
    • EcoPayz
    • Neteller
    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Sofort
    • Interac
    • Wagering: 35 x (b)
    • Withdrawal time: 1 days
    • Minimum deposit to casino: $30
    • Bonus max bet: $5
    • Established: 2024
    • Free Spins: 200
    • 1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Leading selection of slots
    • VISA casino site
    • HD streaming casino games
    • Newly unveiled casino
    • Signup offer now available
    • Mr. Gamble special bonuses
    Show more
  • Lucky Ace Palace
    Luck&Luxury100% / $1500
    Casino popularity:
    Collecting more data...
    Payment methods
    • Mifinity
    • Google Pay
    • PIX
    • EcoPayz
    • Neteller
    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Sofort
    • Interac
    • Wagering: 35 x (b)
    • Withdrawal time: 1 days
    • Minimum deposit to casino: $30
    • Bonus max bet: $5
    • Established: 2024
    • Free Spins: 200
    • 1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Leading selection of slots
    • VISA casino site
    • HD streaming casino games
    • Newly unveiled casino
    • Signup offer now available
    • Mr. Gamble special bonuses
    Show more
  • Silver Fox Slots
    Elegance+Fun100% / $1500
    Casino popularity:
    Collecting more data...
    Payment methods
    • Mifinity
    • Google Pay
    • PIX
    • EcoPayz
    • Neteller
    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Sofort
    • Interac
    • Wagering: 35 x (b)
    • Withdrawal time: 1 days
    • Minimum deposit to casino: $30
    • Bonus max bet: $5
    • Established: 2024
    • Free Spins: 200
    • 1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Leading selection of slots
    • VISA casino site
    • HD streaming casino games
    • Newly unveiled casino
    • Signup offer now available
    • Mr. Gamble special bonuses
    Show more
  • Golden Spin Casino
    Luxury Play100% / $1500
    Casino popularity:
    Collecting more data...
    Payment methods
    • Mifinity
    • Google Pay
    • PIX
    • EcoPayz
    • Neteller
    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Sofort
    • Interac
    • Wagering: 35 x (b)
    • Withdrawal time: 1 days
    • Minimum deposit to casino: $30
    • Bonus max bet: $5
    • Established: 2024
    • Free Spins: 200
    • 1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Leading selection of slots
    • VISA casino site
    • HD streaming casino games
    • Newly unveiled casino
    • Signup offer now available
    • Mr. Gamble special bonuses
    Show more
  • Spin Palace Casino
    Win Big Now100% / $1500
    Casino popularity:
    Collecting more data...
    Payment methods
    • Mifinity
    • Google Pay
    • PIX
    • EcoPayz
    • Neteller
    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Sofort
    • Interac
    • Wagering: 35 x (b)
    • Withdrawal time: 1 days
    • Minimum deposit to casino: $30
    • Bonus max bet: $5
    • Established: 2024
    • Free Spins: 200
    • 1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Leading selection of slots
    • VISA casino site
    • HD streaming casino games
    • Newly unveiled casino
    • Signup offer now available
    • Mr. Gamble special bonuses
    Show more
  • Diamond Crown Casino
    Opulence & Fun100% / $1500
    Casino popularity:
    Collecting more data...
    Payment methods
    • Mifinity
    • Google Pay
    • PIX
    • EcoPayz
    • Neteller
    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Sofort
    • Interac
    • Wagering: 35 x (b)
    • Withdrawal time: 1 days
    • Minimum deposit to casino: $30
    • Bonus max bet: $5
    • Established: 2024
    • Free Spins: 200
    • 1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Leading selection of slots
    • VISA casino site
    • HD streaming casino games
    • Newly unveiled casino
    • Signup offer now available
    • Mr. Gamble special bonuses
    Show more
  • Royal Fortune Gaming
    Opulence & Thrills100% / $1500
    Casino popularity:
    Collecting more data...
    Payment methods
    • Mifinity
    • Google Pay
    • PIX
    • EcoPayz
    • Neteller
    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Sofort
    • Interac
    • Wagering: 35 x (b)
    • Withdrawal time: 1 days
    • Minimum deposit to casino: $30
    • Bonus max bet: $5
    • Established: 2024
    • Free Spins: 200
    • 1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Leading selection of slots
    • VISA casino site
    • HD streaming casino games
    • Newly unveiled casino
    • Signup offer now available
    • Mr. Gamble special bonuses
    Show more
  • Lucky Ace Casino
    Luck&Luxury100% / $1500
    Casino popularity:
    Collecting more data...
    Payment methods
    • Mifinity
    • Google Pay
    • PIX
    • EcoPayz
    • Neteller
    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Sofort
    • Interac
    • Wagering: 35 x (b)
    • Withdrawal time: 1 days
    • Minimum deposit to casino: $30
    • Bonus max bet: $5
    • Established: 2024
    • Free Spins: 200
    • 1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Leading selection of slots
    • VISA casino site
    • HD streaming casino games
    • Newly unveiled casino
    • Signup offer now available
    • Mr. Gamble special bonuses
    Show more
  • Jackpot Haven
    Thrills&Wins100% / $1500
    Casino popularity:
    Collecting more data...
    Payment methods
    • Mifinity
    • Google Pay
    • PIX
    • EcoPayz
    • Neteller
    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Sofort
    • Interac
    • Wagering: 35 x (b)
    • Withdrawal time: 1 days
    • Minimum deposit to casino: $30
    • Bonus max bet: $5
    • Established: 2024
    • Free Spins: 200
    • 1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins
    • Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins
    • Leading selection of slots
    • VISA casino site
    • HD streaming casino games
    • Newly unveiled casino
    • Signup offer now available
    • Mr. Gamble special bonuses
    Show more

Source

  1. jackpot result 2018
  2. jackpot result 2018
  3. jackpot result 2018
  4. jackpot result 2018
  5. jackpot result 2018
  6. jackpot result 2018

jackpot result 2018

2018 was a year filled with thrilling moments in the world of jackpots, from online casinos to physical slot machines. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most notable jackpot results from that year.

Online Casinos

Mega Moolah

  • Biggest Win: In April 2018, a player known as “G.P.” won a staggering €18,915,872.81 on Microgaming’s Mega Moolah.
  • Other Notable Wins: Several other players also hit significant jackpots, with amounts ranging from €5 million to €10 million.

NetEnt’s Divine Fortune

  • Frequent Wins: This slot saw multiple jackpot wins throughout the year.
  • Highest Win: A player won €479,885 in December 2018.

Physical Slot Machines

Las Vegas Casinos

  • Bellagio: A lucky player won $11.8 million on a Megabucks machine in March 2018.
  • Caesars Palace: Another player hit a $4.6 million jackpot on a Wheel of Fortune machine.

European Casinos

  • Casino de Barcelona: A player won €3.7 million on a progressive slot machine.
  • Casino Barrière de Deauville: A jackpot of €2.5 million was won on a slot machine.

Football Betting

UEFA Champions League

  • Surprise Wins: Several underdog teams caused significant upsets, leading to large payouts for bettors who placed their faith in them.
  • Biggest Payout: A bet on Liverpool’s unexpected run to the final paid out handsomely for many fans.

World Cup 2018

  • France’s Victory: Betting on France to win the World Cup resulted in substantial payouts.
  • Individual Matches: High-scoring games and unexpected results led to numerous jackpot wins for savvy bettors.

Baccarat

High-Stakes Baccarat

  • Macau Casinos: Several high rollers won millions in baccarat games.
  • Notable Win: A player won $17 million in a single session at the Galaxy Macau.

Online Baccarat

  • Progressive Jackpots: Some online baccarat games offered progressive jackpots, with one player winning over $1 million.

Electronic Slot Machines

Progressive Jackpots

  • Wide Area Progressives: These machines, which link multiple casinos, saw some of the biggest wins of the year.
  • Notable Win: A player won $12.4 million on a wide area progressive slot machine.

Local Jackpots

  • Casino Wins: Many local jackpot machines paid out significant amounts, with wins ranging from \(100,000 to \)1 million.

2018 was a year of remarkable jackpots, with players across various platforms and games experiencing the thrill of big wins. Whether through online casinos, physical slot machines, football betting, baccarat, or electronic slot machines, the year was filled with memorable moments for both players and operators alike.

biggest sports bets wins

Sports betting has always been a thrilling activity, offering the potential for massive payouts. Over the years, several bettors have hit the jackpot with their sports bets, turning small wagers into life-changing fortunes. Here are some of the biggest sports bets wins that have made history.

1. Archie Karas: The Run of a Lifetime

The Story

Archie Karas, a Greek immigrant, is perhaps the most famous gambler in the world of sports betting. In the mid-1990s, Karas turned \(50 into over \)40 million in just three years. His incredible run, known as “The Run,” saw him winning bets on various sports, including poker, pool, and horse racing.

Key Wins

  • Poker: Karas won millions in high-stakes poker games.
  • Horse Racing: He made significant wins betting on horse races.
  • Casino Games: Karas also won big in casino games like craps and baccarat.

2. Billy Walters: The King of Sports Betting

The Story

Billy Walters is often referred to as the “King of Sports Betting.” With a keen eye for sports analytics and a network of informants, Walters has made millions through his betting strategies.

Key Wins

  • NFL: Walters made a $3.5 million profit on a single NFL bet.
  • NBA: He also had significant wins betting on NBA games.
  • Horse Racing: Walters’ expertise extended to horse racing, where he made substantial profits.

3. Anonymous Bettor: The $2.5 Million Super Bowl Win

The Story

In 2018, an anonymous bettor placed a \(500,000 bet on the Philadelphia Eagles to win the Super Bowl. The odds were 5-1, and the Eagles' victory resulted in a payout of \)2.5 million.

Key Win

  • Super Bowl LII: The bettor’s faith in the Eagles paid off handsomely, making it one of the biggest single-bet wins in sports betting history.

4. Anonymous Bettor: The $1.19 Million Kentucky Derby Win

The Story

In 2019, another anonymous bettor placed a \(85,000 bet on a trifecta box on the Kentucky Derby. The bettor correctly predicted the top three horses, resulting in a payout of \)1.19 million.

Key Win

  • Kentucky Derby: The trifecta box bet was a high-risk, high-reward wager that paid off in a big way.

5. Anonymous Bettor: The $1.2 Million World Cup Win

The Story

In 2014, an anonymous bettor placed a \(500,000 bet on Germany to win the World Cup. The odds were 2.4, and Germany's victory resulted in a payout of \)1.2 million.

Key Win

  • FIFA World Cup: The bettor’s foresight and confidence in Germany’s team led to a massive win.

6. Anonymous Bettor: The $1.7 Million March Madness Win

The Story

In 2017, an anonymous bettor placed a \(100,000 bet on a 15-team parlay during the NCAA March Madness tournament. The bettor correctly predicted all 15 games, resulting in a payout of \)1.7 million.

Key Win

  • March Madness: The parlay bet was a long shot, but the bettor’s perfect prediction led to a massive payout.

These stories of massive sports betting wins are a testament to the potential rewards of sports betting. While these wins are exceptional, they also highlight the importance of strategy, research, and sometimes, sheer luck in the world of sports betting.

biggest slot machine winners

Slot machines have long been a staple in the world of gambling, offering players the chance to win big with just a few spins. Over the years, there have been numerous instances of players hitting massive jackpots, turning their lives around in an instant. Here are some of the biggest slot machine winners in history.

1. Jon Heywood - £13.2 Million

The Story

Jon Heywood, a British soldier, holds the record for the biggest online slot machine win. In 2015, he hit the jackpot on Microgaming’s Mega Moolah slot machine, taking home an astonishing £13.2 million.

The Slot Machine

  • Name: Mega Moolah
  • Provider: Microgaming
  • Jackpot Type: Progressive

What He Did With the Money

Heywood used his winnings to pay for his father’s medical treatment and bought himself a new car.

2. Anonymous Player - $24 Million

The Story

In 2018, an anonymous player won a staggering $24 million on the Mega Fortune slot machine at Paf Casino. This win remains one of the largest online slot machine payouts ever recorded.

The Slot Machine

  • Name: Mega Fortune
  • Provider: NetEnt
  • Jackpot Type: Progressive

The Impact

The win was a significant boost for Paf Casino, highlighting the potential for massive payouts in online gambling.

3. Cynthia Jay-Brennan - $34.9 Million

The Story

In 2000, Cynthia Jay-Brennan, a cocktail waitress, hit the jackpot on a Megabucks slot machine at the Desert Inn Casino in Las Vegas. She won an incredible $34.9 million, one of the largest slot machine wins in history.

The Slot Machine

  • Name: Megabucks
  • Provider: IGT
  • Jackpot Type: Progressive

The Tragedy

Unfortunately, Jay-Brennan’s joy was short-lived. Just six weeks after her win, she was involved in a car accident that left her paralyzed.

4. Elmer Sherwin - $21.1 Million

The Story

Elmer Sherwin, a World War II veteran, won a \(4.6 million jackpot on a Megabucks slot machine in 1989. Remarkably, he won again in 2005, this time taking home \)21.1 million from the Cannery Casino in Las Vegas.

The Slot Machine

  • Name: Megabucks
  • Provider: IGT
  • Jackpot Type: Progressive

His Philanthropy

Sherwin donated a significant portion of his winnings to various charities and disaster relief efforts.

5. Amy Nishimura - $8.9 Million

The Story

In 2008, Amy Nishimura, a 71-year-old tourist from Hawaii, won $8.9 million on a Megabucks slot machine at the Freemont Hotel in Las Vegas. She had been playing the same machine for hours before hitting the jackpot.

The Slot Machine

  • Name: Megabucks
  • Provider: IGT
  • Jackpot Type: Progressive

Her Belief

Nishimura believed that the machine was lucky for her, and her persistence paid off in a big way.

These stories of the biggest slot machine winners illustrate the incredible potential for life-changing wins in the world of gambling. Whether through sheer luck, persistence, or a combination of both, these players have left their mark on the history of slot machines.

slot machine wins

Slot machines have long been a staple in the world of gambling, offering players the thrill of potentially life-changing wins with every spin. Whether you’re at a brick-and-mortar casino or playing online, the allure of slot machines lies in their simplicity and the promise of big payouts. This article delves into the world of slot machine wins, exploring the mechanics, strategies, and stories behind some of the most memorable jackpots.

The Mechanics of Slot Machines

How Slot Machines Work

  • Random Number Generator (RNG): Modern slot machines use an RNG to ensure that each spin is completely random. This means that every outcome is independent of the previous one, eliminating any patterns or predictability.
  • Paylines: Slot machines can have multiple paylines, ranging from a few to hundreds. The more paylines a machine has, the higher the chances of hitting a winning combination.
  • Symbols: Each slot machine has a set of symbols that correspond to different payouts. Common symbols include fruits, numbers, and special icons like wilds and scatters.

Types of Slot Machines

  • Classic Slots: These are the traditional three-reel machines with a limited number of paylines. They often feature simple graphics and straightforward gameplay.
  • Video Slots: These are more modern, with five or more reels and multiple paylines. They often include bonus features, free spins, and interactive elements.
  • Progressive Slots: These machines are linked to a network, and a portion of each bet contributes to a growing jackpot. The jackpot can reach millions of dollars and is typically awarded randomly or through a specific combination of symbols.

Strategies for Winning at Slot Machines

Bankroll Management

  • Set a Budget: Before you start playing, decide how much money you are willing to spend. Stick to this budget to avoid overspending.
  • Bet Wisely: Consider the size of your bets. Higher bets can lead to bigger wins, but they also increase the risk.

Understanding Paytables

  • Read the Paytable: Each slot machine has a paytable that outlines the payouts for different combinations of symbols. Familiarize yourself with the paytable to understand your potential winnings.
  • Look for High RTP: RTP (Return to Player) is the percentage of all wagered money that a slot machine pays back to players over time. Higher RTP slots offer better long-term returns.

Taking Advantage of Bonuses

  • Welcome Bonuses: Many online casinos offer welcome bonuses for new players. These can include free spins or bonus cash to use on slot machines.
  • Promotions and Tournaments: Keep an eye out for promotions and slot tournaments that can boost your chances of winning.

Memorable Slot Machine Wins

The Biggest Slot Machine Wins

  • $39.7 Million Mega Moolah Jackpot: In 2018, a British soldier won this massive jackpot on a progressive slot machine. The win remains one of the largest in online casino history.
  • $34.4 Million Megabucks Jackpot: In 2003, a software engineer from Los Angeles won this life-changing amount at the Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas.

Inspirational Stories

  • From Rags to Riches: Many players have turned their lives around with a single spin. Stories of individuals who went from struggling financially to living comfortably thanks to a slot machine win are not uncommon.
  • The Power of Persistence: Some players have won multiple times on the same machine, proving that persistence and a bit of luck can go a long way.

Slot machine wins are a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of gambling. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned gambler, the allure of hitting a jackpot remains strong. By understanding the mechanics, employing smart strategies, and staying within your budget, you can increase your chances of experiencing the excitement of a big win. So, take a spin and see where the reels take you—you might just hit the jackpot.

Frequently Questions

What were the jackpot results for 2018?

The jackpot results for 2018 varied across different lottery games. Mega Millions and Powerball, two of the most popular lotteries, saw several significant jackpots. Mega Millions awarded its largest jackpot of $1.537 billion on October 23, 2018, to a single ticket holder in South Carolina. Powerball's highest jackpot in 2018 was $768.4 million, won by a single ticket in Wisconsin on March 27. These jackpots attracted massive public interest and set new records in lottery history. For specific results of other lotteries or smaller jackpots, detailed records from lottery commissions should be consulted.

What does a KL result jackpot mean in gambling?

A KL result jackpot in gambling refers to a specific type of jackpot where the winning combination is determined by the last two digits of the winning number in a Keno Lotto (KL) draw. This type of jackpot is popular in certain Asian gambling markets, offering players the chance to win significant sums by correctly predicting these digits. The excitement lies in the simplicity and the potential for substantial payouts, making it an attractive option for both casual and seasoned gamblers. Understanding the KL result jackpot can enhance your gambling strategy and increase your chances of hitting the big win.

 

How can I find the Kerala lottery machine number for the Jackpot Result?

To find the Kerala lottery machine number for the Jackpot Result, visit the official Kerala State Lottery website or authorized lottery vendors. The results are typically posted on the website under the 'Results' section. Look for the specific draw date and jackpot result page, where the machine number used for the draw will be clearly mentioned. This information is crucial for verifying the authenticity of the draw and ensuring transparency. Stay updated by checking the website regularly or subscribing to their notifications for immediate updates on jackpot results and machine numbers.

How can I interpret the jackpot result chart for the latest outcomes?

Interpreting a jackpot result chart involves understanding the numbers and patterns. First, identify the winning numbers, which are typically highlighted. Next, look for any special symbols or colors indicating bonus numbers or multipliers. Check the frequency of each number to identify trends. Pay attention to the date and time of the draw, as this can affect interpretations. Lastly, compare your ticket numbers to the chart to see if you've won. Keeping track of these elements will help you effectively interpret the jackpot result chart and understand your chances of winning.

What is the Kerala Lottery Jackpot Result for Today in 2020?

The Kerala Lottery Jackpot Result for today in 2020 can be found on the official Kerala State Lottery Department's website. Typically, the results are announced every day at 3 PM. To check the jackpot result, visit the website and navigate to the 'Results' section. Enter the date and select the specific lottery draw you are interested in. The results will display the winning numbers for the jackpot. Remember to verify the results from authorized sources to ensure accuracy and avoid scams.