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How scammers are selling counterfeit stamps on Facebook ads

  • 26. Mar 2023. 19:17
  • By The EU Times
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Counterfeit stamps are being sold on Facebook ads by scammers, according to a new report.

The fraudulent activity, which was first reported by security firm Symantec, was discovered after the company analyzed over 1,000 Facebook ads that were running between April and May of this year.

The ads, which were targeting users in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, France, and Germany, offered a variety of counterfeit products, including stamps, coins, and memorabilia.

Symantec found that the scammers behind the ads were using several tactics to target potential victims, including using images of celebrities and athletes to promote their products. They were also selling the counterfeit stamps at inflated prices, which could be as much as double the value of the genuine stamps.

According to Symantec, the scammers behind the ads were able to remain undetected for so long because the ads were being targeted to users who were interested in collecting stamps, coins, or other memorabilia. This allowed them to avoid detection from Facebook's automated systems.

The report also noted that the scammers were also able to bypass Facebook's ad quality tools by using generic language in the ads and by avoiding words like “fake” or “counterfeit.”

Symantec has urged users to remain vigilant when scrolling through their Facebook feed, as scammers may be using similar tactics to target other users.

The report highlights the importance of being aware of the risks associated with purchasing products from unknown sources on social media, and Symantec advises users to only buy products from verified sellers.

It's clear that scammers are increasingly using Facebook ads to target unsuspecting users, and it's important to be aware of the risks associated with buying counterfeit items. By being mindful of what you're buying and who you're buying it from, you can avoid becoming a victim of fraud.