CHALK TALK · AI02
Part of Chalk Talk: AI for Athletes

How to Tell If an NIL Deal Is a Scam (Use AI to Check)

ToolAny AI assistantForAthletes and parents

Nick Armstrong, Publisher. Written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Publisher.

Published · Last updated

The problem

Fake "brand deals" are common. They look exciting, and they're built to make you act fast.

What it can do

An AI assistant can't tell you for sure if a deal is real, but it can point out warning signs you might miss.

Prompt to copy

Here is a message I got from a brand on social media. List any warning signs that it could be a scam, explain each one in plain English, and tell me how to check if the brand is real. Message: [paste the message, with your personal info removed]

Common warning signs

  • They ask you to pay, or buy product first, to become an "ambassador"
  • They pressure you to decide fast
  • They want to move the conversation to a different app
  • They ask for passwords, login codes, or bank information
  • They offer payment by gift card or crypto
  • The account is new, has few posts, or misspells the brand's name

What to do next

Contact the brand through its official website, not through the DM. Show the message to a parent and, if you're in school, your compliance office.

Never let it

Never send money, codes, or personal information because an AI said a message looks fine.

About the author

Nick Armstrong is the founder of NAMiX, a Texas-based college sports and NIL media and intelligence company.

About NAMiX

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NAMiX isn't paid by Meta, xAI, or any AI company. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.