As highlighted several times, Facebook still continues to allow scammers to run fake ads on its platform. We’ve recently spotted an ad offering Xiaomi electric scooters at ridiculous prices and Xiaomi Malaysia has confirmed that the promo is a scam.
The ad in question came from a Facebook page called “Mi Store Malaysia” with 4,970 likes and it is selling a Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2 for RM8.50. Typically the scooter is selling for more than RM1,700 through reputable online stores. If you click on the link, you will be led to a dodgy-looking website which then directs users to a form asking your personal details.
When we checked the Facebook page, it is currently running two ads which started running yesterday, 12th May 2022. There are also comments on the post to give the impression that the deal is legit and users have received the actual scooter.
These ads are a clear violation of Facebook’s ad policy for unacceptable business practices which states “Ads must not promote products, services, schemes or offers using deceptive or misleading practices, including those meant to scam people out of money or personal information.”
According to the Page Transparency section of the fake “Mi Store Malaysia” page, the page has been renamed three times this year, which should raise major red flags for Facebook. Yet these ads are still approved by Facebook, and it raises concerns if Facebook is prioritising ad revenue over user safety.
Xiaomi Malaysia has warned users that it will never ask for their credit card details, SMS OTP or eWallet login in exchange for free products. It urge everyone to be on high alert to protect yourself from scams.
Scam ads on Facebook has been a regular problem and it appears that the social media platform is not doing enough to prevent such ads and to take action based on user reports. Last Friday, the Ministry of Health has posted a statement to refute claims that it endorsed a diabetes recovery product that was advertised on Facebook. The ad was still running and it was only taken down two days later.
[ SOURCE ]
Related reading
- Facebook still allows scammers to run fake ads targetting Malaysians
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