b'Contract# 5475 The Smile Center2021 Military Appreciation Resource Magazinemany were responding to an ad they saw on social media and reported that the item they ordered never arrived. Most of those consumers (94 percent) who identified the social media service in their complaint cited Facebook or Instagram as the platform they used.Other top consumer complaints about scams that started on social media related to romance scams or economic relief or income opportunities, which often target people who have lost a job or other income because of the pandemic. About half of all romance scam reports to the FTC since 2019 involve social media, usually on Facebook or Instagram.For more information and tips on how to avoid being scammed while on social media, check out the FTCs data spotlight.AVOID CORONAVIRUS SCAMSwww.ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams-consumer-adviceLearn how to tell the difference between a realcontact tracer and a scammer. Legitimate tracers need health information, not money or personal financial information.Dont respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government. Heres what you need to know, go to: www.consumer.ftc.gov/ blog/2020/04/coronavirus-stimulus-payment- scams-what-you-need-know Ignore offers for vaccinations and miracle treatments or cures. Scammers are sellingproducts to treat or prevent COVID-19 withoutproof that they work.Be wary of ads for test kits. Most test kits being advertised have not been approvedby the FDA, and arent necessarily accurate.Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are usingillegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-homeschemes.Watch for emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO. Use sites like coronavirus.gov andusa.gov/coronavirus to get the latest information. And dont click on links from sources youdont know.Do your homework when it comes todonations. Never donate in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money. JThe Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Thank You For Your Service Military Appreciation Resource Magizine 13'