Scads usually look like legitimate ads. There are three components to an ad: the headline, body and url link. These should all be consistent with what you are looking for.- Look closely at all three components.
Does the body copy of the ad seem appropriate?
Look at the copy to see if it is the brand you are looking for.
Does it talk about the brand you are looking for? - Does the headline correspond to the link?
For example, does the headline promote a shampoo
brand but the link seems to be about hair spray? - Is the offer realistic?
If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. - Here's what we mean.
- Look before you click
Avoid ads that look suspicious. The less people click on them, the quicker they’ll go away. - If it's not what you're looking for when you land, leave
If it looks fishy and you don't immediately see what you are looking for, it could be risky to stick around. - Sign our petition to the FTC
The government must protect consumers from scads. Add your name to the petition & help stop deceptive online advertisements. Together, we can preserve the integrity of search.
- Exercise your rights as a consumer
Report negative experiences with scads to the search engines and let them know you want them stopped! - Share your story
- Tell a friend
