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Advertisement Fraud: How to Protect Yourself
Advertisement fraud happens when scammers create fake ads to trick people into giving them money or personal information. They use social media, websites, and apps to show fake ads for things like cheap products or services. The goal is to make you click on their ad and pay for something that doesn’t exist.
Table of Contents
How Do Scammers Trick You?
Scammers use different ways to trick people. Here are some of the most common tricks:
- Fake Clicks on Ads (Click Hijacking)
Scammers make people click on fake ads by hijacking real clicks. When you click on an ad, you might think you’re going to a trusted site, but the fraudster sends you somewhere else to make money. - Fake App Downloads
Sometimes, scammers pay people or use bots (automated programs) to download apps. These fake downloads make it look like the app is popular, but in reality, it’s just a trick to make advertisers pay for non-existent users. - Fake Clicks Using Robots (Botnet Ad Fraud)
Some fraudsters use hundreds or thousands of computers or phones that are hacked to click on ads. This makes it look like many people are interested in an ad, but it’s just fake clicks that cost the advertiser money. - Invisible Ads (Hidden Ads)
Fraudsters put invisible ads on websites or apps. These ads don’t actually show up to users, but they still get counted as “views.” Advertisers end up paying for ads that nobody even sees! - Fake Classified Ads
Scammers also use classified ad sites like OLX or Quikr. They create fake ads for things like electronics, vehicles, or services. You might think you’re buying a great deal, but after you send money, you never get the product.
How Does Advertisement Fraud Usually Happen?
Here’s how the scam usually works:
- Fake Ad Appears
You see a shiny ad on your phone or computer for something that looks amazing — a great deal on a phone, clothes, or even a course. The price is so low that it seems like a dream come true! - You Show Interest
You click on the ad, excited about the deal. The scammer makes you feel like it’s a limited-time offer, so you hurry to take action. - They Ask for Initial Payment
The fraudster asks you to pay an upfront amount, claiming it’s needed to “reserve” the item. Thinking you’re securing a good deal, you send the money. - They Ask for More Money
After you make the first payment, they ask for more. This time, they say it’s for “delivery charges” or “processing fees.” They push you to act quickly. - They Send Fake Tracking Info
To make it look real, they send you a fake tracking number, so you believe your product is on its way. - The Fraudster Disappears
Once you send the money, they cut off all contact. The product never arrives, and you realize you’ve been tricked.
Real-Life Examples of Advertisement Fraud
Here are two examples to help you understand how these scams can happen:
Example 1: The Fake Electronics Deal
A person saw an ad on Facebook offering a high-quality phone at a super cheap price. They clicked the ad, and the scammer asked for a small payment to “reserve” the phone. After that, the scammer asked for extra money for shipping. Once the victim sent the money, they never heard from the scammer again, and the phone never arrived.
Example 2: The Fake Course Advertisement
A group of students saw an ad on Instagram for an online exam preparation course. The ad promised high-quality study material for a low price. They paid to join the course, but after paying, the scammer asked for more money for “study materials.” The students paid again, but the course never existed. The scammer disappeared, and the students lost their money.
How to Protect Yourself from Advertisement Fraud
Here’s how you can avoid getting tricked:
- Don’t Trust Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True
If an ad offers something that looks too cheap or too good, it probably is! Be careful before you make any payment. - Check the Ad Before Paying
Always make sure the ad is real. You can check the company’s website or search for reviews. If the company is real, you should be able to find information about it online. - Keep Your Personal Info Safe
Don’t share your bank details, credit card number, or personal info with anyone you don’t trust. Don’t feel pressured into paying quickly — real businesses will give you time to think. - Use Secure Payment Methods
Always use trusted payment options like credit cards, UPI, or PayPal. These payment methods are safer than transferring money directly to someone’s bank account. - Report Suspicious Ads
If you come across a suspicious ad, report it to the website or social media platform where you saw it. Reporting helps protect others from getting scammed.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you think you’ve been tricked by an ad:
- Take Screenshots
Save pictures of the ad and any messages you received from the scammer. This evidence will help when you report the scam. - Contact the Platform
If the ad was on a website or social media, report it to them. They can take down the ad and help stop the fraudster. - File a Complaint
If you lost money, go to the local police or cybercrime department. They can help track down the scammer and may be able to help you get your money back. - Contact Your Bank
If you paid by UPI or bank transfer, contact your bank right away. They may be able to stop further payments or help you get a refund.
Conclusion
Advertisement fraud is growing rapidly, but if you stay alert and follow a few simple steps, you can protect yourself. Always be cautious with online ads, especially if the deal looks too good. Verify the ad, keep your personal information safe, and use secure payment methods.
By spreading awareness and staying informed, we can help stop these fraudsters from tricking innocent people. Be careful, stay safe, and always question deals that seem too perfect
Stay Safe Online
Stay Safe Online:
Many cases are being filed at the Cyber Crime Police Station . some of the most common scams are listed below. Please read these articles to stay aware of these scams.