09/02/2026
⚠️ A Little Social Media Ad PSA From Someone Who Has Fallen for Them Too…
Can we talk about all the FAKE ads we see online — especially on Facebook and other social media sites?
You know the ones…
“Lose 20 pounds without changing what you eat!”
“This one little-known supplement melts belly fat!”
“Doctors don’t want you to know about this!”
“This ancient remedy fixes everything!”
And some of these ads aren’t quick little commercials. The videos can go on and on and ON, telling an incredibly convincing story about why this product is the answer you’ve been searching for.
And here’s what makes them even harder to spot:
They look legitimate.
The person speaking may look like a doctor, researcher, news reporter or other trusted professional. The video may show impressive-looking studies, medical terminology, before-and-after pictures and testimonials.
And sometimes they’ll even use the image, voice or likeness of a celebrity to make it appear that person is endorsing the product.
Except sometimes…
IT’S FAKE. FAKE!
AI-generated video and audio have made it easier than ever to make it look and sound like a real person is saying something they never actually said.
I’ll admit it — I can be a sucker for a really convincing ad. I’ve clicked more than a few thinking, “Hmmmm…maybe this really does work!”
But I’ve learned to slow my roll before I hit BUY NOW.
Now, when something sounds amazing, I’ll copy the claims into ChatGPT and ask it to help me investigate:
Is this claim actually supported by research?
Is there good scientific evidence?
Is this study they’re talking about real?
Is this celebrity actually endorsing this?
Is the company legitimate?
Are there complaints about subscriptions, billing or returns?
And you know what I hear an awful lot?
There’s little or no credible evidence supporting the claims.
Sometimes there’s a tiny kernel of truth buried underneath a mountain of very clever marketing.
And the product itself isn’t always the only problem.
Before you order, watch for:
• Automatic monthly shipments
• Recurring charges or subscriptions
• Difficult cancellation policies
• “Money-back guarantees” with lots of fine print
• Return policies requiring YOU to pay the shipping
I learned that last one personally. A few months ago, I returned something that cost about $60 — and it cost me more than $30 just to ship it back!
So now I have a new rule:
PAUSE. RESEARCH. THEN PURCHASE.
Don’t let a professional-looking video, a person in a white coat, a dramatic testimonial, a celebrity “endorsement,” a countdown clock or an “ONLY 3 LEFT!” message make the decision for you.
Look for independent information. Check the company. Read the return and subscription policies. Verify celebrity endorsements independently. And yes, use AI to help you separate evidence from marketing hype.
AI isn’t perfect either, and when a claim involves your health, medications or medical treatment, reputable medical sources and your healthcare provider still matter.
But before you hand over your credit card information, take five minutes and investigate.
Because if something sounds miraculous, there’s a very good chance the advertisement isn’t telling you the whole story.
Your health. Your money. Your choice.
And remember:
Just because someone looks reputable on your screen doesn’t mean they’re even real.
Please share this. The more we learn to recognize these tactics, the harder it becomes for scammers and dishonest marketers to profit from them.