The British Columbia Securities Commission today said it has become aware that an outfit using the name “BC Securities” is contacting individuals about paying an international tax on winnings from a variety of lotteries.

The BCSC has received complaints mainly from United States residents who have received letters from “BC Securities” informing them that they have won an “overrun” lottery (money accumulated because of unclaimed prize money awarded in lotteries in Australia, Canada and the U.S.).

The letter states that, before people can cash their winning cheque, they must send money to the company holding the prize money in trust, to cover the cost of an “international tax.” The letter lists a 1-866-telephone number and office addresses located in Vancouver and Burnaby, B.C.

“We have been getting calls from people who have received the letters, thinking that we are associated with this organization and of course we are not,” said BCSC executive director Brenda Leong.