Skip to main content
Cloudy icon
33º

Beware of social media ad scams

Beware of scams on social media and online websites. (Sourced from Photo by Leeloo The First: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-person-holding-documents-7247413/)

Protect your wallet from scammers this new year.

Recommended Videos



A new AARP survey reveals that more than a third of U.S. adults who made purchases from social media ads have experienced fraud.

Here are three tips to remember when coming across social media shopping scams.

Don’t click that ad

If the add is from a known retailer, retype the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can create fake ads that look like a legitimate link and clicking on that could bring you to a scam website.

Read reviews and research

If the ad is from an unknow retailer, first verify the site’s credibility. Next research the company and keep your eyes out for complaints with organizations like the Better Business Bureau.

Inspect product quality

Be careful of “bait-and-switch” scams. Such as if you receive a product that is worse than what was originally advertised, or if your package never comes. If this occurs, contact your credit card company to dispute the charges or contact the company’s customer service operators.

Be a fraud fighter! If you spot a scam, report it!

Report scams to local law enforcement, or for help from AARP visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network


Loading...
About the Author
Amanda Stellwag headshot

Amanda Stellwag is a Content Gatherer and joined the WSLS 10 News team in December 2024. She is from New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers University in May 2024.