MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis has issued a warning to his followers about a number of fake adverts which are using his image to promote bogus deals and online offers
Martin Lewis has taken to social media to confront counterfeit adverts that are exploiting his image to endorse sham deals and online offers. “I don’t do ads,” the finance expert candidly stated in response to a fan who shared one of these fraudulent adverts.
These adverts, often utilising artificial intelligence (AI), exploit Martin’s likeness to deceive fans and followers into divulging personal information and bank details through the promotion of sham offers and deals.
On X, he posted: “No it’s a scam by criminals. Nothing to do with me. It is trying to steal your money. Do not trust any advert with me in (hence my profile pic). I don’t do ads!” If this statement wasn’t clear enough, Martin has “I don’t do ads” emblazoned on his profile picture, a clear indication that any promotion using his image is entirely false.
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Back in June, Martin demanded X “pull their bloody fingers out and sort it,” referring to the prevalence of these scam ads, reports Birmingham Live.
Martin posted: “Lots of scam ads using ‘martin lewis arrested’ to try and draw people in to their criminal schemes again. If you see them please report them as scams to the platform (let’s hope the platforms pull their bloody fingers out and sort it).”
One fan responded: “Having reported every one of those style of adverts, it looks like they take down the name quickly, but 3 more accounts spring up with the same picture and misleading headline. To be so persistent, so quick to replace ads, they must make a fortune out of the scams they run!!!!!”.
A month earlier, the 53-year-old financial guru cautioned: “No one is looking after you. You have to look after you. Frankly, any advert you see on social media with celebrities faces on it, or someone famous’ face on it, I just wouldn’t touch it. Always go to a separate place.”
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He sternly warned against impulsive investment decisions, saying: “Anything advertising crypto, do not touch it. If you want to do crypto, you need to make sure you’re doing the research, not just clicking the link on social media.” He also advised against falling for get-rich-quick schemes: “Do not touch adverts promising you to get rich, promising you investment.”
The finance expert emphasised the importance of due diligence: “You do investments by doing detailed research and reading on legitimate websites, not by clicking the link.”