BBB Says Buyer Beware On Facebook, MySpace

WALLINGFORD — As the popularity of social networking sites grows, so does interest in using them as platforms for advertisers. Connecticut Better Business Bureau, however, advises users of Facebook, MySpace, and similar sites to read the fine print, because the large print does not always tell the whole story. 

According to Nielsen Online, social networking sites were more popular than email in 2008.  Facebook’s 108 million users spent more than 20 billion minutes on the site last year alone, and advertisers are tapping into that market at a forecast cost of $1.3 billion in social network advertising this year.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau President Paulette Scarpetti says consumers should remember that just because an ad appears on a site they trust, it does not necessarily mean they can trust the advertisers.

“Not all ads on social network sites are misleading; however, consumers who are considering purchasing from a social network advertiser should beware of, for example, ad links that may take them to a blog with fraudulent testimonials from satisfied customers,” Ms Scarpetti said. “That one red flag alone should be a warning to hit the ‘back’ button on their browser.”

Some ads offer free MacBooks, work-at-home scams, and dietary or weight loss supplements.  These sites often are linked to phony “testimonials,” or require the individual to sign up for monthly programs such as travel packages, or purchase furniture in order to qualify before receiving any free items.

Connecticut BBB warns incentive programs linked to these social network ads can be extremely costly in the long run and the fine print may reveal that the customer might have to pay a significant amount of money to receive the “free” items.

While not all ads on social networking sites are misleading, consumers must read the fine print carefully before giving out credit card or other personal information online.