Nearly 900 scam ads were reported to Meta, TikTok, and Google, but many ads stayed online. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how to protect yourself from similar scams.
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What Happened?
The groups said many of the ads promoted financial scams, including fake investment opportunities and cryptocurrency schemes, fake customer support services, and websites designed to steal personal information.
They also said only 27% of the reported ads were removed, while more than half were rejected or ignored.
BEUC believes many of these ads may still be reaching millions of consumers across Europe every month.
The complaints were filed under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires large online platforms to review reports about harmful content and help protect users.
Google disagreed with the findings and said it blocks more than 99% of ads that violate its policies before they are shown to users.
Who Could Be Affected by These Scam Ads?
Anyone who uses Meta, TikTok, or Google may see these ads.
The reports did not name any victims or confirm that personal information was stolen. However, people who interact with scam ads may be tricked into sharing information such as:
- Names
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Banking details
- Account passwords
Once scammers collect personal information, they may use it for future scams, impersonation attempts, or account theft. Many people do not realize their information was shared until suspicious activity appears later.
If you are not sure whether your information was leaked somewhere online, checking regularly can help you spot problems earlier.
With Futureproof, you can quickly check whether your email appeared in data leaks and get simple steps to secure your account.
How Did the Scam Ads Stay Online?
Consumer groups say many scam ads stayed online even after they were reported to Meta, TikTok, and Google.
One reason is the huge number of ads reviewed every day. Platforms use automated systems to check ads, and some scams can slip through.
Scammers also make their ads look real. They often copy trusted banks, investment companies, and well-known brands, making the ads harder to spot. Some even use professional graphics, official logos, and convincing language.
Consumer groups also say the platforms need to respond faster when suspicious ads are reported. Under European law, large online platforms are required to review these reports and help protect users from harmful ads.
Futureproof keeps your data safer with simple guidance to set a strong password, turn on 2-step verification, and lock down your account.
Check my safetyWhy Scam Ads on Major Platforms Are a Risk for You
Many people think that if a scam ad appears on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Google Search, the platform has already checked it.
This case suggests that is not always true.
Scam ads are often created to look like legitimate investment opportunities, financial services, or well-known companies.
As a result, you may share personal information, send money, download harmful software (programs designed to steal information or damage devices), or create accounts on fake websites without realizing you are dealing with scammers.
Just because an advertisement appears on a trusted platform does not mean you can trust the advertiser.
3 Simple Ways to Lower Your Risk from Scam Ads
You cannot control every advertisement shown online, but these habits can help you protect your information:
1. Secure your email account
Your email account is often the key to your other online accounts. If someone gets access to it, they may be able to reset your passwords elsewhere.
Use a unique password that you do not use on any other account. Also, turn on two-step verification whenever possible so a password alone is not enough to sign in.
If you are not sure how to set up extra protection, the Futureproof Email Protection tool can guide you through creating stronger passwords and enabling two-step verification.
2. Report suspicious ads
If an ad promises easy money, urgent investment opportunities, or asks for personal information, pause before clicking.
Most social media and search platforms include reporting tools. Look for the three-dot menu next to the ad and select options such as Report Ad, Report, or Why am I seeing this ad?
Follow the prompts to explain why the ad seems suspicious, such as impersonation, misleading claims or a potential scam, and submit the report.
Reporting suspicious ads can help platforms review them more quickly and may prevent other people from becoming targets. If you have already clicked the ad, avoid entering personal or financial information until you verify that the website is real.
3. Be careful with unexpected follow-up messages and calls
Some scammers use online ads to collect contact information and then continue the conversation through phone calls, emails, or text messages.
If someone contacts you unexpectedly and pressures you to share personal details, payment information, or account credentials, stop and verify who you are speaking with before responding.
You May See Scam Ads Even on Platforms You Trust
Many people think that advertisements appearing on major platforms have already been fully verified.
But scammers can sometimes get their ads in front of millions of users, even on well-known sites and platforms. That’s why taking a few extra seconds to verify an offer, secure your email, and stay alert to suspicious messages matters.
Staying informed does not mean living in fear. A few simple checks can help you spot problems early and keep your personal information safer.
At Futureproof, Kevin explains digital safety in simple words, with clear tips and zero fluff. He holds a degree in information technology and studies fraud trends to keep his tips up-to-date.
In his free time, Kevin plays with his cat, enjoys board-game nights, and hunts for New York’s best cinnamon rolls.
