Americans lost $95M via social media ads; here's what to look out for when shopping online

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losses of more than $95 million to scams that started when they ordered something online... after seeing it advertised on social media. The FTC has issued an alert to remind social media users that ads you see in your feed are not usually vetted before publishing.

Remember, anyone can use a platform's "self-serve" advertising platform to pay for an ad. Advertisers can promote a non-existent company... or pretend to be a reputable brand.

If you're interested in a product you see online, do your homework before entering your credit card information.

Be sure to search the names of any companies you don't already know.

And if it looks like a brand you're familiar with, always double-check the ad's link takes you to an official website... and not a lookalike page.

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