NIL Scams: What Every Athlete and Parent Needs to Watch Out For
As the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) landscape continues to grow, so does the opportunity — and unfortunately, the risk. Alongside reputable NIL agents and brands trying to help student-athletes, there are also bad actors, scammers, and unqualified individuals looking to take advantage of young athletes who are new to the business side of sports.
If you’re a student-athlete or parent, understanding how NIL scams work — and how to protect yourself — is critical. Below, we break down the most common types of scams, red flags to watch for, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.
1. Fake “Brand” Offers That Never Pay
Scam: An “agent” or “brand rep” reaches out through social media or email offering money for a social media post, shoutout, or brand ambassadorship. You agree, complete the task — and never get paid.
Red flags:
- They want personal information (address, banking, Social Security number) up front.
- The email address is from a Gmail or Outlook account, not a business domain.
- They rush you to accept.
- There’s no written contract or payment terms.
How to protect yourself:
- Always get deals in writing.
- Vet the brand through a quick search or on NILAgentDirectory.com.
- Never share personal or banking information until a contract is signed and verified.
2. High-Promise, No-Proof NIL “Agents”
Scam: Someone claims they can get you “thousands” or “millions” in NIL deals — but can’t back it up with real experience, credentials, or reviews.
Red flags:
- No athlete reviews or client references.
- They avoid specific questions about experience or deals.
- They want you to sign a long-term contract immediately.
- They don’t appear on NILAgentDirectory.com or any professional site.
How to protect yourself:
- Ask for a list of previous clients and actual deals they’ve negotiated.
- Search for their business on NILAgentDirectory.com.
- Talk to your school’s NIL advisor before signing anything.
3. Identity Theft and Fake Profile Scams
Scam: Scammers steal athlete photos or impersonate athletes and agents online, using fake social media profiles or fake websites to get attention or money.
Red flags:
- The “agent” account was just created.
- No clear company website or contact info.
- They use fake athlete endorsements or testimonials.
How to protect yourself:
- Confirm identities using NILAgentDirectory.com.
- Never send personal information through DMs.
- Protect your own digital brand — lock down your usernames and monitor your image use.
4. “Upfront Fee” Scams
Scam: A fake NIL rep tells you they’ll get you a big deal but asks for a fee up front — and disappears after you pay.
Red flags:
- They ask for Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle payment before doing any work.
- There’s no formal agreement or paper trail.
- They use urgency tactics: “This deal won’t last if you don’t act now.”
How to protect yourself:
- Legitimate agents work on commission or offer transparent, written flat-fee arrangements.
- Never pay anyone without a written agreement and proof of services.
- Ask if they’re registered in your state or listed publicly on a verified directory.
5. Contract Traps with Hidden Terms
Scam: The contract looks simple — but has fine print that ties you into an unfavorable, long-term commitment with unclear expectations.
Red flags:
- You’re pressured to sign right away.
- The contract doesn’t explain how to cancel.
- You don’t understand the legal or tax language.
- The agent won’t let you take the agreement to a school official or parent.
How to protect yourself:
- Take every contract to your school’s compliance office.
- Ask to have a parent, coach, or advisor review it.
- Read every line — including termination clauses and exclusivity rights.
6. “Marketing” Companies That Just Collect Data
Scam: A shady “marketing” company offers you exposure or NIL support — but really just wants to gather your personal information to sell or misuse.
Red flags:
- No real services or deal history on their website.
- They ask for your SSN, driver’s license, or tax forms up front.
- They don’t offer contracts, just “sign-ups.”
How to protect yourself:
- Only share personal data once a deal is signed and verified.
- Use NILAgentDirectory.com to find legitimate professionals with reviews.
- Always ask, “What are you doing with my data?”
7. Fake Reviews and Paid Endorsements
Scam: An NIL “agent” buys fake reviews, followers, or testimonials to appear more successful than they are.
Red flags:
- Dozens of generic reviews all posted on the same day.
- No negative or neutral feedback.
- No athletes you can contact directly.
How to protect yourself:
- Look for verified reviews from real student-athletes on NILAgentDirectory.com.
- Ask for actual names and permission to speak to a few current clients.
- Trust your instincts if something feels too polished or too good to be true.
What to Do if You Think You’ve Been Scammed
- Stop all communication immediately.
- Report the scam to your school’s NIL advisor or compliance office.
- File a report with your state attorney general if money was involved.
- Submit a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov.
- Leave a review or warning on NILAgentDirectory.com to protect other athletes.
How NILAgentDirectory.com Helps You Avoid Scams
This is exactly why NILAgentDirectory.com exists — to help you make informed decisions with the power of public reviews, transparent agent listings, and education.
Use this platform to:
- Verify if an agent is real, licensed, and experienced.
- Read reviews from other athletes.
- See what services they offer and how they structure fees.
- Learn what questions to ask.
- Leave your own reviews to protect your peers.
Final Thought: If It Feels Off, Speak Up
Scams thrive in silence. If something seems strange, trust your gut. Talk to your parents, coaches, advisors, or school compliance team. And always verify before you sign, share, or spend.
You’re not just an athlete — you’re a business now. Protect it like one.