A deep-discount social-media ad can be a real promotion—or an imitation designed to collect your payment or personal information. This checklist helps you slow down and verify the seller before you buy.
Check the seller, not just the logo
- Look for the actual seller name and web address before clicking or paying.
- Search the seller’s name with terms such as “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.”
- Compare the offer with prices from known retailers. An unusually low price can be a warning sign.
- Go to a brand’s official website independently rather than relying on a link in an ad.
Choose payment protection carefully
Read the seller’s return and shipping information before checkout. The FTC says credit cards can provide useful dispute protections when something goes wrong. Be especially cautious if a seller insists that you pay only by gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency.
Keep a record if you buy
- Save the ad, listing, and checkout confirmation.
- Record the seller’s name, URL, and any order number.
- Monitor the payment method for the expected charge.
- If an order does not arrive or is not as described, contact the seller and payment provider through known channels.
Source notes
The FTC’s social-media shopping alert recommends checking out the seller, comparing prices, and using a credit card when buying. The FTC’s phishing guidance also cautions against unexpected links and false coupon offers.