THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025 Page 7 BBB Scam Alert: That sponsored ad might be a scam. Here’s how to tell S ponsored content is everywhere online. From the top results of your search engine to the tempting deal you scrolled past on social media — it’s hard to avoid. While most sponsored ads are legitimate, some aren’t. Just as real, trustworthy businesses can purchase sponsored ads to boost their content in your search results or social media feeds, so too can scammers who create impostor websites. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker continues to receive reports from consumers who are tricked into clicking on fake websites that are advertised on search engines and social media as “sponsored.” These scams are not only specifi c to retail websites and merchandise — there are also reports of sponsored ads for fake passport renewal services, healthcare open enrollment websites, lost and found services, puppies for sale, and more. How the scam works: It starts with a simple search. Let’s say you’re looking to buy sneakers, and the top result of your search is a “sponsored” ad for a retailer selling your item. Or you might see a sponsored ad on your social media feed for the same product. You click on the link and are taken to what appears to be a legitimate website. The merchandise might even be majorly discounted, and you think you’re getting a great deal. At checkout, you enter your personal and fi nancial information and make your purchase. At this point, you might never receive your merchandise. If you try to contact the company’s customer support, they might not have a record of your purchase, making you realize that you purchased from a fake website. You might not be able to find the original website that you purchased from, or their contact information might be disabled. How to avoid sponsored ad scams • No matter what, always confi rm you are on a legitimate website. Even if a website is sponsored and shows up at the top of your search results, always confirm that you are on the correct website before making a purchase or entering your personal information. Scammers are easily able to create lookalike websites that seem like the real deal. • Use caution when making purchases through social media shops. Sometimes, THE PAESANI CLUB ANNUAL POLENTA PARTY ANTHONY’S OF MALDEN 105 CANAL STREET MALDEN, MA. 02148 THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025 6:00PM COCKTAIL HOUR SAVE THE DATE LA MORA CONTEST FEATURING SAL “THE BUMBLE BEE SWALLOWER” BARRESI sponsored ads on social media platforms take you to purchase products on the app’s shop. You might not be able to tell if the retailer or merchandise is legitimate through the app’s shop. If you’re unsure, you can search for the retailer on your own and fi nd their real website to purchase from. • Be wary of too-good-tobe-true deals. Major discounts on otherwise expensive products often trick people into purchasing items on fake websites. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do a quick search to compare prices on other sites to get an idea of what the item really costs. BBB | SEE Page 9 If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available • Use BBB to verify business information. If you’re questioning whether the website you’re visiting is an impostor site, check with BBB. org to fi nd the business’s information and verify its web address. If you’re not familiar with the business, you can also see if there are any
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