Summary
In the shadows of social media, a silent predator conceals fake advertisements designed to exploit people. From bogus investment strategies to government palliative schemes, these deceptive ads prey on unsuspecting users with too-good-to-be-true promises.
This fact-checking report uncovers the truth behind the rising tide of fraudulent social media ads and the real impact on those who fall victim.
The Story
Series of viral video and still images mostly on Facebook, keeps breaking the trusts of vulnerable individuals who daily expects palliatives from the government to cushion the economy downturn plaguing Nigeria. This has sparked widespread concern on various platforms, prompting concerns among many as things continue to get tighter.
Facebook, once a new platform for connecting people, has now become a breeding ground for deceptive advertising. Scammers exploit its vast reach and sophisticated ad-targeting system to push fraudulent schemes directly onto users’ feeds. From fake e-commerce stores offering luxury goods at unbelievable discounts to impersonation scams promising high-yield investments, these ads are designed to mislead and manipulate.
The platform’s algorithm, built to maximize engagement, often amplifies these scams, making them appear legitimate. As more users fall victim, questions arise about Facebook’s role in regulating its ad space and protecting the vulnerable from financial and emotional exploitation.
Verification
These Image ads analyzed patterns of fraudulent advertising on Facebook. The ads pops up on timelines, reels and facebook messengers calling for actions with compelling images of Nigeria’s president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice president Kashim Shettima, after which it directs the user to another URL entirely different from the compelling call to action, majorly “federal government survival loan”, “Kashim Shetima 70,000 NAIRA Palliative”, “CBN Grants”, as seen in Image 1 and 2.
Reports from consumer protection agencies and digital watchdogs, such as the Federal Competition And Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other government agencies and news reports, reveal a rising number of complaints about deceptive intervention and Jobs ads on social media.
Investigations show that scammers exploit loopholes in Facebook’s ad review system, using fake business pages, none correlating web pages, stolen images, and misleading testimonials to appear credible.
Additionally, user testimonies and case studies highlight how victims have lost money or sensitive information after engaging with these ads. While Facebook has implemented policies to curb misleading advertisements, enforcement remains inconsistent, allowing fraudsters to continue preying on unsuspecting users.
Verdict
Fake Federal government intervention, jobs social media ads are misleading and misinforming vulnerable nigerians who are dependent on Government intervention.
As digital deception is on the rise, users must remain vigilant against fake ads on Facebook www.facebook.com . While the platform continues to refine its policies, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to bypass detection.
To avoid falling victim, individuals should verify the legitimacy of ads, research unfamiliar businesses, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as a disguise from the federal government of Nigeria and other public agencies.
Reporting suspicious advertisements to FCCPC and raising awareness can help curb the spread of online scams. Ultimately, staying informed and being skeptical is the best defense against fraudulent ads preying on the vulnerable.
This verification has been produced with support from BO Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM) and WITNESS.
