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Spot the Fraud

Learn how to spot recent fraud attempts in Alberta

Think twice before you click

There has recently been an increase in fraudulent apps and social media ads impersonating casinos and racing entertainment centres in Alberta.

PlayAlberta.ca is Alberta’s premier iGaming destination. Casinos and racing entertainment centres may offer online websites and apps for player loyalty programs but will not offer online gambling.

Be suspicious of any online apps or social media ads promoting online casino games, impersonating PlayAlberta.ca and real or fake location names. Spot the imposters and think twice before you click and provide personal or financial information. There’s only one, authentic iGaming app in Alberta and that’s Play Alberta, available in both the Apple App and Google Play store.

Look for red flags

Educate and empower yourself to spot the imposter. Many fraudulent ads and apps have only subtle differences and some even use photos of real locations. Vigilance and a keen eye are a way to arm yourself against fraud.

Logos

 

Look for small changes in the name or icons. Be very careful and don’t assume it’s safe if you recognize a logo - many fraudsters will duplicate legitimate ones.

Fake Ads

Don’t be tricked by seeing logos or images of real places. Remember, PlayAlberta.ca is the province's only legitimate iGaming source. Casinos and racing entertainment centres may offer loyalty programs only, which can be made available through apps but will never ask for your credit card or banking information.

Watch the Details

  1. Are there spelling mistakes?
  2. What email do they use? Is it a common address that anyone can make (like @gmail.com or @hotmail.com)?
  3. Without clicking on it, what website do they show? Note, many fraudsters will link to legitimate websites.

"You WON" Messages

Many fraudsters will create a fraudulent social media account to impersonate a real one. The contest might be legitimate, however PlayAlberta.ca, casinos and racing entertainment centres will never ask you to provide financial information to claim a prize. Those who participate in contests through commenting on posts must stay vigilant. Public comments are often targeted by a fraudulent ‘You WON’ message to your private inbox. 

Fraudulent Apps

Play Alberta is currently available online at PlayAlberta.ca and now through the Apple App and Google Play store. Casinos and racing entertainment centres may offer player loyalty apps. Apps that promote online casino games and betting are not legitimate and downloading these types of apps could lead to fraudulent credit card charges or your bank accounts being hacked.

Fake Social Media Accounts

Using what you’ve learnt from above, be suspicious of accounts that contact you through private messages and ads you see on social media. Additional red flags can include how old their account is, low follower count, etc. Just because their website may link to a legitimate url, it does not mean the account is real.

Report suspected fraud

Be a part of the solution! If you come across a suspicious social media ad or online app, report it immediately. Your vigilance contributes to a safer online experience for everyone, protecting yourself and others from online fraud. 

  

GameSense

AGLC wants to keep the fun in the games and the fraud out. Since becoming aware that there has been a surge in fraud impersonating casinos and racing entertainment centres, AGLC reminds patrons to exercise caution when considering giving any sites you see online your personal or financial information and to always use your GameSense.