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Tom Muleya-Fraud Insight
Fraud is a very wide area in the field of criminology. Its criminal activities come in various forms; from simple to complex and to very complex methods or ways.
But people are not normally caught in a web of complex fraud; instead they are caught unawares in very simple ways in which one would wonder if really the victim warranted to be duped. People are duped by clearly fraudulent adverts, that do not need any specialist from “space” to warn them about. Some fraudulent adverts that are trending on social media these days include amongst others; award- winning adverts, promotion adverts, job offer adverts and business opportunities adverts.
But what is a fraudulent advert or ad fraud? In 1914, the Federal Trade Commission Act, which states that false advertising is a form of unfair and deceptive commerce, went into effect.
Advertising fraud is when cybercriminals deploy bots to exploit advertising platforms and advertisers. It is also defined as the practice of fraudulently representing traffic, clicks, impressions, conversions, or data events with the goal of generating revenue.
Ad fraud is a complex phenomenon that affects legitimate publishers and advertisers across multiple mediums and formats, including banner ads, search marketing, and affiliate marketing.
According to data presented by Statista research, ad fraud is on track to cost the industry US$100 billion in losses by 2023, up from US$35 billion in 2018 and growing at an exponential rate.
Like in many types of fraud, the money intended for legitimate publishers and advertisers ends up in the hands of bad guys who perpetrate the fraud. Advertising fraud affects publishers, advertisers and is more severe on victims who end up losing their money.
Because fraud comes in so many ways, there is no single method that will be enough to sufficiently protect you. In order to avoid falling victim to on-line/social media advertising fraud, consider the following preventive measures;
Always practice cyber hygiene.
Thoroughly scrutinize any advert that comes to your social media platform or online before you respond.
Never click on any link provided for any advert unless you are quiet sure it’s not spam.
Treat every advert with serious suspicion, this will help you delay any rushed decision.
Always remember you are the best prevention measure, as you apply your faculties.
Ask the police and any trusted people about adverts you are not sure of.
Never forward any suspected fraudulent advert on any platform without warning others that it is a spam.
Join in the fight against fraud and create a safe environment and crime free Zimbabwe. Think Security. Watch out for the next issue ad fraud.
Feedback, WhatsApp line: 0772 764 043, or e-mail:[email protected]. Tom Muleya is a Detective Assistant Inspector working under the CID Commercial Crimes Division and also a member of the National Cyber Security Awareness Taskforce, Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter