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Canadian Gaming Association Warns of Increased Scams
By Shane Addinall Apr 20, 2022 IndustryWarnings to members of the public indicate that phone scams are on the rise and the Canadian Gaming Association’s name may be used by criminals.The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) warns that fraudsters are on the prowl. Scammers claiming to be from the CGA are contacting victims on their phones, and the trade association reminds consumers that CGA does not call individuals or give away prizes.
Anyone receiving a call where the caller claims to be from the CGA should end the conversation and immediately contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Experts warn that online and mobile scams are on the rise, and consumers must exercise caution when interacting with unknown businesses and individuals. Criminals prey on consumers’ hopes and dreams to become rich instantly, and unfortunately, many fall for the scams.
In 2021, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) received over 148,000 reports of fraud involving false prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries.
Phone scams involving familiar company names and prizes to competitions you haven’t entered should immediately raise warning flags, says anti-fraud organisations.
Watch out! It’s a Scam
Anyone visiting the CGA website at this stage will receive a pop-up message to warn them about phone scams using the Canadian Gaming Association’s name. The warning reads:
“The Canadian Gaming Association does not call individuals or give away prizes. Anyone contacting you claiming to be from the CGA and that you have won money or prizes is a scam.”
CGA urges anyone who receives calls of this nature to report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). Phone scams are one of the oldest techniques criminals employ to fool their victims and gain access to highly confidential information in this manner. A popular MO of criminals like this is to mention well-known institutions and ask for release fees from the call recipient.
Previous warnings issued from the CGA explained how members of the public reported calls claiming they won the lottery. Although the criminals present fictitious information, they sound legitimate and gain people’s trust. They convince the victim that a fee is payable to claim the prize or that the victim must give all their financial details to receive the money.
Authorities and the CGA advise that members of the public must report these types of contacts and can do so at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or through the website www.antifraudcentre.ca.
Protect Yourself and Your Assets
Have you received a call that sounds suspicious? In this scenario, the first option you have is to hang up as soon as you suspect fraud.
The CAFC explains that consumers must exercise their right to say no. Consumers should not give out any of their details under these circumstances. Request all the details in writing from them or write down what they tell you and relay this information to the authorities.
Be extremely wary of any upfront fees. These scammers often ask the person they call to wire-transfer money to Western Union, Money Gram, or similar accounts and sometimes suggest prepaid gift cards as a means of payment.
The offenders may become threatening or defensive and often use manipulation tactics with urgent pleas for payment. When in doubt, do background research to confirm the organization’s existence and services.
Cryptocurrency Fraud on the Rise
Opportunistic criminals always seek new ways to defraud others. With the massive rise in cryptocurrency investments, this fast-paced tech industry is now a target for scammers.
The CAFC reported cryptocurrency fraud losses totalling $75 million in 2021. Tech-savvy criminals use phone scams and other means of communication and persuade their victims to deposit fiat currency through cryptocurrency ATMs or QR codes.
Crypto fraudsters use known methods to manipulate citizens by claiming to be government officials, coming across as friendly and trustworthy, or claiming the victim won a prize. Reports show how these criminals help their victims through the process of payment by staying on the phone with them and guiding them through the steps.
Fraudsters play on emotions and a lack of knowledge about the decentralised finance space. Watch out for promises of higher-than-normal returns, investment offers you did not initiate, an urgency to act immediately, and suspicious messages containing trusted company names.
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