Skip to main content

Scammers using N.S., N.B. casino images, logos in online campaign

If you're tempted to test your luck through an online gaming site that shows up on your social media pages, you're advised not to - even if it looks very familiar and local.

Scammers have been using images and logos from both Casino Nova Scotia and Casino New Brunswick as part of a deceptive campaign aimed at getting personal and banking details.

In a statement to CTV News, Great Canadian Entertainment - which owns both casinos - confirms the scam, widely shared on Facebook and Instagram.

"We can confirm that these ads are fake," said Chuck Keeling, Great Canadian Entertainment's executive vice president, stakeholder engagement and community and social responsibility.

The company posted warnings about the issue on its website earlier this month

The ads feature actual photos of the casino logos, along with debit and credit card icons.

The word "sponsored" is also used under the heading.

A scam is targeting Casino Nova Scotia and Casino New Brunswick.

After being contacted by CTV News, Service Nova Scotia said it had alerted police.

"The ad you’ve shared is related to a recent Meta ad scam from an account posing as Casino NS," said communications advisor Geoff Tobin.

 "We have informed the Casino of the concern, as well as local law enforcement. Casino Nova Scotia does not offer an online gaming application. Our casino operator, and its parent company Great Canadian Entertainment, are aware of a deceptive Instagram and Facebook promotion using its name and logo and are currently investigating the issue.

"The scam falsely promises exclusive bonuses and access to casino promotions to individuals who download an alleged Casino Nova Scotia app."

“Nova Scotians are urged to be vigilant about guarding their personal details and financial information online, and to inspect ads closely for inconsistencies, errors, or signs that they’re from unofficial social media accounts. We also encourage Nova Scotians to report ads such as these using the social media platform’s tools for reporting scams," the statement from Great Canadian Entertainment said.

Great Canadian urged users to report the ads through social media option, accessible via the three dots at the top right corner, or contacting the company directly through its website.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Ontario doctors disciplined over Israel-Gaza protests

A number of doctors are facing scrutiny for publicizing their opinions on the Israel-Hamas war. Critics say expressing their political views could impact patient care, while others say that it is being used as an excuse for censorship.

'No concessions' St-Onge says in $100M a year news deal with Google

The Canadian government has reached a deal with Google over the Online News Act that will see the tech giant pay $100 million annually to publishers, and continue to allow access to Canadian news content on its platform. This comes after Google had threatened to block news on its platform when the contentious new rules come into effect next month.

Live updates

Live updates Hamas frees 10 Israeli women and children, 4 Thai nationals

Ten Israeli women and children and four Thai nationals held captive in Gaza were freed by Hamas, and Israel followed with the release of a group of Palestinian prisoners Thursday. It was the latest exchange of hostages for prisoners under a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza war. Two Russian-Israeli women were also freed by Hamas in a separate release.

opinion

opinion Don Martin: With Trudeau resignation fever rising, a Conservative nightmare appears

With speculation rising that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will follow his father's footsteps in the snow to a pre-election resignation, political columnist Don Martin focuses on one Liberal cabinet minister who's emerging as leadership material -- and who stands out as a fresh-faced contrast to the often 'angry and abrasive' leader of the Conservatives.

Stay Connected