The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) has published a warning to customers after being made aware of an illegal operation posing as the authority to collect fees.
The operation went under the name California Scratch Card and used the Commission’s official name and logo in an attempt to bolster its authenticity.
The group would message people on Facebook claiming they needed to pay an “Administrative Processing Fee” on any winnings they accrued.
The California Scratch Card page has also posted about how “another lucky player will be celebrating Christmas and New Year in Paldo” thanks to them, along with screenshots making it seem like they were awarding players money.
Lisa Wardall, CGCC Executive Director, said: “Based on the information the Commission has received, this illegal gambling operation appears to be based in the Philippines and is targeting citizens of the Philippines.”
She went on to explain that the Commission has never issued licences to California Scratch Card and it does not require any sort of “Administrative Processing Fees”.
She continued: “The Commission is currently pursuing all available options to address this matter.”
It remains unclear why the group would pose as the Gaming Control Commission from the state of California when targeting citizens in the Philippines.
However, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) recently issued a warning regarding a similar scheme in which illegal groups posed as the local authority. This may have increased awareness of groups impersonating PAGCOR, but not of foreign authorities.
The CGCC has urged people to contact the Commission or the Department of Justice, Bureau of Gambling Control, if they ever have questions about the legality of a gambling operation.
At the time of writing, the California Scratch Card page is still live on Facebook with 2,500 likes and 4,200 followers
