NIL Edge Update - 3.31.2025

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Athletes: Protect Your NIL and Your Privacy Online

Social media has revolutionized how athletes build their brands and connect with fans. It’s now a critical tool for securing lucrative NIL deals and creating new opportunities. However, this immense potential comes with risks. Cybersecurity threats and scams are on the rise, and athletes and their families are prime targets for fraudsters looking to exploit their online presence.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently released a snapshot of scams in 2024, revealing the staggering cost of fraud. According to the report, over $12.5 billion was lost to fraud, with 1 in 3 people — particularly young adults — who reported a scam also losing money. Social media played a significant role, accounting for $1.9 billion in reported losses. For athletes navigating NIL deals and online branding, this data is a stark reminder to stay vigilant!

Here are the most common online threats and tips to safeguard your NIL and privacy online.

1. Oversharing Personal Information

Your social media followers may love a behind-the-scenes glimpse into your life, but oversharing can put you at risk. Scammers use details like real-time locations, travel plans, or personal milestones to target individuals for fraud, impersonation, or even physical threats.

The FTC’s data highlights imposters as the top fraud category, with scams like impersonation leading to significant financial and reputational damage.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Avoid posting live updates of your location or travel plans.

• Refrain from sharing sensitive details like your home address, phone number, or daily schedule.

• Keep private accounts for personal updates shared only with trusted friends and family.

2. Falling for Unvetted NIL Deals

Fraudsters are increasingly targeting athletes with fake NIL opportunities, leveraging the promise of lucrative deals to steal sensitive information or money. According to the FTC, losses from job and business opportunity scams skyrocketed to $501 million in 2024.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Research every brand or sponsor that offers you a deal.

• Avoid offers that require upfront payments or sensitive personal information.

• Have a trusted advisor, agent, or attorney review all contracts before signing.

3. Clicking Suspicious Links

Hackers often use phishing links disguised as NIL opportunities or sponsorship deals. These phishing attacks are much more credible now because the bad guys are using AI to make the emails sound super legit. Clicking on these links can compromise your accounts, leak your personal information, and even lead to financial losses.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious of unsolicited messages or emails offering deals that seem too good to be true.

• Verify links by contacting the sender directly through official channels.

• Never enter sensitive information (e.g., passwords, banking details) unless you’re certain of the source.

4. Ignoring Privacy Settings

Failing to adjust your privacy settings leaves your accounts vulnerable to harassment, impersonation, and unauthorized use of your content.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Regularly review your social media privacy settings to control who can view and engage with your content.

• Disable geotagging to avoid sharing your exact location in real time.

• Limit access to direct messages to reduce the risk of phishing attempts.

5. Posting Without Thinking

Even a single post can have lasting consequences. The FTC warns that social media often leads to significant losses, with many scams starting on these platforms. Missteps on social media can damage your reputation, violate existing contracts, or limit future NIL opportunities.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Think carefully before posting—would you be comfortable if a future employer or sponsor saw this post?

• Avoid controversial or divisive topics that could alienate your audience and brand partners.

• Delete old posts that no longer align with your brand or values.

6. Failing to Secure Your Accounts

Weak passwords and outdated security settings make it easier for hackers to compromise your social media accounts. If your account is hacked, it can be used to scam your followers or damage your reputation.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security.

• Monitor your accounts for unusual activity, such as unauthorized login attempts.

The Stakes Are High for Athletes

Athletes today are more than competitors—they are brands, entrepreneurs, and public figures. As JayZ said, “You’re a business, man!” Protecting your NIL isn’t just about avoiding scams. It’s about safeguarding your reputation, opportunities, and future success. The FTC’s 2024 report emphasizes the need for heightened awareness around fraud and cybersecurity, especially for young adults. According to the data, 44% of 20–29-year-olds reported losing money to scams, compared to 24% of those aged 70–79. These numbers underscore the importance of proactive steps to stay safe online. Use social media wisely to build your brand while protecting your privacy. If you need guidance on NIL deals, online privacy, or brand management, reach out for expert support. By taking these precautions, you’ll not only avoid unnecessary risks but also ensure your hard work and talent are protected for years to come

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