20 Charged in $190K DraftKings Fraud Scheme in Connecticut

Posted on: February 26, 2026, 08:37h. 

Last updated on: February 26, 2026, 08:37h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.
  • Twenty charged in alleged $190K DraftKings fraud scheme
  • Stolen bank data used to fund betting withdrawals
  • Two suspected coordinators remain wanted by authorities

Authorities in Connecticut have charged 20 state residents in connection with a sprawling $190K fraud scheme that used Visa cards linked to stolen bank information to move money through numerous DraftKings accounts. However, the likely ringleaders of the group remain at large, according to the state Department of Consumer Protection.

DraftKings fraud, Connecticut fraud case, online betting scheme, identity theft charges, chargeback fraud
Connecticut authorities say stolen bank information was used to deposit funds into DraftKings betting profiles as part of an alleged $190K fraud scheme. (Image: Getty)

Among the 20 charged are people who, according to arrest warrants seen by The News Times, agreed to open DraftKings profiles or surrender login access after being promised easy money, according to court documents. Police are still hunting for two men, Manuel Pichardo and Luis Rodriguez, who were repeatedly identified by defendants as directing or coordinating the scheme.

How the Fraud Played Out

Investigators say participants added newly issued Visa cards to DraftKings profiles. The cards were in the defendants’ names but were allegedly linked to Wells Fargo bank accounts belonging to legitimate account holders who had not authorized the transactions, according to prosecutors.

Once the card was added, money was deposited into the DraftKings profile. Authorities say the funds were typically used for minimal casino gameplay before a withdrawal was requested via a different payment method, often a bank account in one of the suspects’ own names, according to the reporting.

When the real bank customers later discovered the unauthorized charges, they disputed them. Banks then reversed the transactions through chargebacks, leaving DraftKings responsible for the loss, investigators said.

Court documents cited more than $190K in fraudulent activity between Aug. 4 and Sept. 15, 2024, tied to accounts geolocated in several Connecticut cities.

Investigators said the transactions followed a consistent pattern across multiple defendants, with similar deposit amounts, rapid withdrawals, and overlapping contact information. Meanwhile, different defendants referenced the same individuals when explaining how they became involved, according to several arrest warrants.

Multiple Charges

Charges in the case include first-degree identity theft, second-degree computer crime, larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, according to court records. Several defendants also face counts related to the illegal use of payment cards. Many of the charges are felonies under Connecticut law.

Most of the defendants have entered not guilty pleas. If convicted, they could face prison sentences, fines, and restitution orders tied to the alleged financial losses.

Arrest warrants remain outstanding for Pichardo and Rodriguez.