Crypto scam uses N.B. premier’s image in fake news article: services commission

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt speaks with reporters in a video conference call from Fredericton on Jan. 29, 2025.

A new scam is using a fake news article to claim New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt is endorsing a cryptocurrency trading platform, according to a regulatory services commission.

The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick says the scam looks like a Telegraph-Journal web article and claims Holt is endorsing CanCap, a cryptocurrency trading platform that is not registered to deal or advise in securities in New Brunswick and is not on the list of registered crypto-trading platforms.

The platform is also not associated with CanCap Group, a financial services company.

The fake article features doctored photos of Holt unveiling the new platform. It claims CanCap is backed by the Bank of Canada’s new digital currency and will let Canadians invest with no risk.

“The article claims that the goal of the program is to help New Brunswickers avoid losing any income in light of the tariffs,” a news release from the commission says. “Scammers often exploit current headlines to perpetrate their crimes, build trust and capitalize on heightened emotions. New Brunswickers should be aware that the platform being promoted in this fake news article is not related to any provincial tariff relief funding or support that is, or will be, made available.”

The public is warned to check the registration status of crypto platforms before investing in them and to contact the commission if they have any concerns about unsolicited investment opportunities.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.