BY TOM SOMACH

Once an instituion becomes successful, and we do mean $ucce$$ful, it doesn’t take long for the con men and bunko artists to come out of the woodwork like cockroaches and attempt to get a piece of the money pie.

Such is the case now with the storied World Series of Poker (WSOP).

In a not-so-surprising development, WSOP officials are warning potential WSOP 2007 participants about what the WSOP calls a “seat scam.”

In a notice posted on the WSOP website, www.worldseriesofpoker.com, and headlined “WSOP Issues Important Warning on Seat Scams,” the WSOP warns poker players about the gambling world’s latest con job.

“The World Series of Poker has received several inquiries from individuals who have been offered discounted $10,000 Main Event seats,” the warning reads. “In each instance, they have received either an e-mail or instant message from someone claiming to have won a $10,000 seat in a satellite event. The sender claimed he could not play in the tournament and offered to sell the seat for $6,000.

“We recommend recipients of such e-mails or instant messages ignore them,” the WSOP warning continues.

“Pre-registered seats cannot be traded or sold. Harrah’s shall not honor transferred registrations and shall not be liable in any way for its refusal to do so.

“Furthermore, individuals who have pre-registered for WSOP events can receive a full refund of their payment if they are unable to participate, as long as they request the refund before the event starts. Ask yourself this: Why would an individual accept $6,000 for a seat he allegedly won when he can get the full $10,000 refunded?”

WSOP officials are hoping that by publicizing the scam, it will be less likely that anyone falls for it.

The 2007 WSOP will be held this summer at the Rio hotel/casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(E-mail Tom Somach at tomsomach@yahoo.com.)