Beware of Fake Facebook Ads Offering Huge Discounts

You see an ad on Facebook promising an unbelievable deal — “70% off today only!” The page looks real, complete with familiar logos, convincing photos, and even positive comments from “other customers.” But once you click through and enter your details, scammers get hold of your banking and personal information.

This tactic is being used worldwide. Criminals create fake Facebook pages that copy well-known companies, often tailoring them to local areas so they look more trustworthy. They then pay for sponsored ads to reach as many people as possible.

The process is simple: you click the ad, land on a fake website, and are asked to enter payment details. Fraudsters may start with small charges to test your card before taking larger amounts. Since many operate from abroad and hide behind strict privacy rules, it’s extremely difficult to catch them quickly.

What you should do.

• Check if the page is genuine: look for a verification badge, real posts, and a follower count that makes sense.

• Don’t trust the ad itself: always confirm discounts on the company’s official website.

• Keep an eye on your bank statements: small, unusual charges could be warning signs.