Online “scambling” scams – fake gambling websites mimicking legitimate betting platforms – are surging across Australia, with experts warning they are designed to drain money from vulnerable users.

Cyber security specialists at Telstra say the sites copy real gaming platforms so convincingly that users see fake “wins” credited to accounts while money is siphoned offshore.

Darren Pauli from Telstra calls it “pure destruction”, warning there is no chance of a real payout.

Anglicare financial counsellors say scams target people under financial and emotional stress, with Chris Heckenberg noting the victims are often “the poorest of the poor”.

Telstra has blocked more than 1800 scam sites this year, but warns new ones appear daily, peaking between 7pm and 9pm and 2am and 4am, when users are most vulnerable.

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