An ad can carry a familiar company name and still take you somewhere unexpected. Before handing over a payment or account details, check the business through a route you already trust.
In a November 2 consumer alert, the Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers imitate businesses and government agencies in social feeds, search results and shopping platforms. The agency is seeking public input about online impersonation ads, with comments due November 30, 2026. Its linked notice explains that process.
Start with the destination
Our practical check is to separate what the ad says from where it takes you. A recognizable logo or a place near the top of a search page does not, by itself, answer who operates the destination.
If you already use the business, open its known app or use the address saved with your account or an earlier legitimate receipt. Look for the offer or contact route there. When those routes disagree, pause before entering payment information.
Treat urgent support claims carefully
The FTC’s tech-support guidance describes scams involving alarming messages, fake support sites and requests for remote computer access. An unexpected warning that pushes you to call a number deserves a separate check.
Use a support route you can verify independently. Avoid letting pressure to act immediately replace that check, especially when someone asks for account access or an unusual way to pay.
Keep a small record
If an ad looks suspicious, record the date, the platform, the business it claims to represent and the destination address, if you can do so without opening it. A screenshot can preserve what you saw. Keep passwords, card details and other sensitive information out of any public post about it.
The point is to preserve the claim clearly enough to describe it. You do not need to contact the advertiser to investigate it yourself.
If you already responded
The FTC’s guidance explains steps for people who paid a scammer, shared personal information or allowed access to a computer. If an account password was exposed, change it through the genuine service; if it was reused elsewhere, address those accounts too.
For an unauthorized payment, contact the payment provider using verified contact details. Recovery depends on the circumstances and payment method. You can report suspected fraud through ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
A useful habit is repeatable: check the destination independently, keep the relevant record, and use a verified route for help.
