An increase in online scams, with criminals running social media platform ads pretending to be licensed land-based casinos, all to steal people’s data, such as credit card numbers, is becoming more and more of a challenge across Canada’s gaming industry, as articulated by an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) spokesperson in a chat with CDC Gaming yesterday.
It’s a problem so widespread, involving massive crime organizations, the OPP spokesperson said, that it’s like playing “whack a mole” – club one on the head and another one pops right up somewhere else.
Now comes a statement from Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) for people to beware of Facebook or other social-media ads for an online version of Dakota Dunes Casino, Casino Regina, or any other land-based casino in the province.
“None of the land-based casinos in Saskatchewan has a legitimate online version and people who see these types of ads on their social-media channels are strongly advised not to click on them,” said LGS Vice President of Gaming Steve Tunison in a statement. “Saskatchewan people who wish to gamble online can do so safely and securely on PlayNow.com, which is the only legal online gaming platform in our province.”
There are nine land-based casinos in Saskatchewan. People are asked to report any fake ads they see to the online platform that is posting it.
As Tunison added, criminals are illegally using logos, images, and branding from casinos stolen from websites.
“We are aware of the issue,” said Alanna Adamko, a spokesperson for Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA). SIGA, which launched in 1996, operates seven casinos in the province. “This is a scam that seems to be targeting the casino industry and other businesses across North America.
“We’ve been working closely with the province and have on our websites and social media channels disclaimers warning our patrons about the scams and to report to social media to take down as soon they see these false ads. As well as we’ve provided staff with messaging if asked by casino guests.
“Whenever we receive an email or DM from someone about the ads, we also follow up to report it to the social media provider.”
LGS is warning people in the statement to always guard their credit card, banking, and other personal information.
