It’s the same old scam, but now with a high-tech twist. Online gambling apps have started using fake endorsements from big-name celebrities to lure people in.
It’s the same old scam, but now with a high-tech twist. Online gambling apps have started using fake endorsements from big-name celebrities to lure people in.
The latest target? Manny Pacquiao, a boxing legend and Philippine senator. Ads for platforms like “Manny Casino” are circulating online, showing what looks like Pacquiao giving his stamp of approval. But here’s the catch – he didn’t!
These ads are far from legit. They’re using AI-generated content to make it seem like Pacquiao is promoting the casino. Let’s set the record straight – Manny Pacquiao has absolutely nothing to do with “Manny Casino” or any of these other gambling apps. The only legitimate gaming partnership he’s had was with M88 Mansion in 2022, and that’s it. If you don’t see him talking about it on his verified social media accounts, it’s safe to assume it’s fake.
Manny Pacquiao might be the latest target of these scammers, but let’s be real – he’s not the only one. According to an investigation by Rappler, a lot of these shady ads are managed by Facebook admins based in Malaysia. What’s even worse? It’s not just Pacquiao’s name being misused. Familiar Filipino faces like Anne Curtis, Belle Mariano, and Catriona Gray have also been dragged into these schemes. Even Korean star Park Seo-joon hasn’t been spared.
Here’s the thing: scammers have come a long way from the days of bad grammar and blurry, pasted-together photos. They’re now using tools like AI to create fake endorsements and even deepfakes that look shockingly real. It’s the kind of stuff that makes you do a double-take. And the worst part? Celebrities often have no clue their name or face is being used in these scams. Imagine waking up to messages from people saying, “I saw your ad for this product!” – except you’ve never even heard of it.
It’s not just consumers who lose in these situations. The reputations of public figures are being tarnished, too. It’s frustrating, unfair, and sadly, it’s happening more often than we realize.
The first thing is to slow down. Seriously, don’t rush. If you see an ad that claims a celebrity endorsement, don’t immediately trust it. Go to their verified social media accounts or official website to see if they’ve actually mentioned it. Nine times out of ten, they haven’t.
Also, watch out for the classic “act now!” trick. Scammers want you to feel pressured, so you make decisions quickly – without thinking. Don’t let them play you. If something feels even a little bit off, take a moment to dig deeper. A quick Google search or even asking someone you trust could save you from falling into their trap.
Want more tips? I’ve shared my thoughts on this in an article: How to Spot a Scam Casino (Without Losing Your Shirt).