BCLC Asks Residents to Be Wary of Social Media Scams Involving Casino Ads

_{BCLC warns players about fraudulent casino ads online. (Image: Shutterstock)}

Residents in British Columbia have been warned to be vigilant as social media scams involving fraudulent/scam casino adverts are doing the rounds.  

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) issued the warning to residents to be wary of social media scams involving fraudulent casino advertisements that mimic legitimate online casinos.  

Scammers Adept at Using Official Logos of BCLC 

The BCLC said that these scams use official logos and images, claiming to offer exclusive bonuses to entice victims into registering on their sites.  

BCLC emphasised that only its website is authorised for online gambling in B.C. and that all valid BCLC social media accounts are verified.    

They advise the public to be cautious of sites requesting personal or financial information, to verify URLs, and to be sceptical of any claims regarding fees or taxes on prizes, as such charges do not exist in Canada. 

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation is a Canadian Crown corporation that manages all legal gambling products in British Columbia, including lottery tickets, land-based casinos and online gambling. It is based in Kamloops, with a secondary office in Vancouver.

The BCLC says that the advice is simple: “If unsure about a site or ad, individuals should contact BCLC’s Customer Support. Those who may have fallen victim to such scams are encouraged to report to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.”