ASC warns investors of ‘spoof’ website

Alberta regulators warned the public to avoid investing with Offshore Drilling Inc., a company mirroring a legitimate oil and gas company website.

The tactics in the scheme involve “spoofing” or masquerading as a real company’s website to sell sham securities, the Alberta Securities Commission said Wednesday.

The commission said representatives of Offshore drilling Inc. have been shilling shares in Arsen al Energy Inc., an oil and gas company based in Calgary, on its website.

“Albertans should be aware that Offshore Drilling is mirroring Arsenal Energy’s content and contact information on its website www.offshore- drilling.us.tc, without permission,” the securities watchdog said. Larry Stevens John, the listed owner of Offshore, is not registered to sell securities, the ASC added.

Investors could be fooled into believing the scam as the website appears similar to the real Arsenal site, www. arsenalenergy.com, including its logo and content.

“The ASC continues to in- vestigate the parties responsible for this “spoofing” website. In the meantime, we urge the public to be wary.”

Anyone who has knowledge about this investment offering or this type of investment scheme is asked to contact ASC Public Inquiries at 403355-4151, toll free 1-877-355-4488 or e-mail inquiries@asc.ca.