BBB says Buyer Beware when Clicking on Facebook Ads

Always read the fine print or risk paying the price when being tempted by ads on social networking sites

Better Business Bureau is advising social networkers to read the fine print when responding to ads on Facebook or other social networking sites because the large print doesn’t always tell the whole story. Ubiquitous ads for weight loss products, work-at-home opportunities and offers for “free” computers can cost shoppers more than they bargained for in the long run.

According to Nielsen Online, social networking sites were more popular than e-mail in 2008. Facebook’s 108.3 million members spent 20.5 billion minutes on the site last year alone.  Advertisers are going where the people are and eMarketer estimates that $1.3 billion will be spent on social networking advertising in 2009.

“People need to use extreme caution and read the fine print before handing over their credit card information to an online advertiser. Just because an ad appears on a Web site they trust, it doesn’t mean they can always trust the advertisers,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “One of the big red flags we’re seeing is ads that link to blog platforms designed to look like a personal testimonial from a satisfied customer. In our experience, if an ad takes you to a blog, it’s best to hit the back button immediately.”

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~Sandy G.

Company falsely claimed to be official Web site

It wasn’t long after the financial meltdown that scores of scam artists popped up claiming to operate “mortgage rescue” services — but one went so far as to claim it was an actual government mortgage loan assistance program, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) isn’t having any of that.

At the FTC’s request, a federal district court issued an order to stop an Internet-based operation that pretends to operate “MakingHomeAffordable.gov,” the official Web site of the federal Making Home Affordable program for free mortgage loan assistance. The FTC alleged that the defendants deceptively diverted consumers who searched online for the free government assistance program to commercial Web sites that offer loan modification services for a fee.

“Homeowners who are down on their luck need help, not misdirection by Internet impostors,” FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said. “The Commission will continue to work with the Treasury Department to move quickly against scammers who prey upon financially distressed consumers.”

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~Sandy G.

Chemicals in pools injure over 5,000 people yearly

You may think the only danger posed by swimming pools is drowning, but pool chemical injuries account for as many as 5,200 emergency room visits each year.

A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that these injuries are preventable, and during 2007 almost half of those injuries occurred at a residence.

According to the study, people can be injured by inhaling fumes when they open pool chemical containers, attempting to pre-dissolve pool chemicals, or handling them improperly. People can also be injured when chemicals splash into their eyes. These injuries typically occur during the summer swimming season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and can occur in or out of the pool.

In addition to pool chemical injuries, thousands of people each year suffer from recreational water illnesses. The study was released as part of of CDC′s National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week, May 18-24. The week aims to raise awareness about healthy swimming behaviors, including ways to prevent recreational water illnesses and injuries.

FOR COMPLETE STORY, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

~Sandy G.