Truth Social: A Breeding Ground for Scams Targeting Elderly Conservatives and Trump Supporters
Former President Donald Trump’s social media venture, Truth Social, continues to face scrutiny as reports of scams targeting elderly conservatives and Trump supporters proliferate on the platform. Despite its ambitious promises of providing a haven for free speech, Truth Social has encountered significant challenges, including a decline in user base and a disastrous public offering on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Ad experts caution against the dangers posed by far-right social networks like Truth Social, Parlor, and Rumble, known for hosting conspiracy theories and hyperpartisan content. Unlike established platforms such as Meta and Google, Truth Social lacks robust ad-serving technology, making it vulnerable to exploitation by scammers.
Marketers have criticized Truth Social’s ad-serving technology, managed by Rumble, a right-wing video streaming website, for its limited tools for tracking ad performance and targeting specific demographics. These shortcomings have allowed fraudulent schemes to thrive, with misleading advertisements ranging from children’s books warning against communism to fake vaccine exemption cards.
Many of these ads prominently feature Mr. Trump’s portrait, capitalizing on his image to appeal to his ardent supporters. However, the products advertised often fail to deliver on their promises, such as gold-plated items described as “gold,” or fake tweets attributed to President Biden.
Furthermore, Truth Social’s ad platform targets niche groups like gun enthusiasts and survivalists, offering weapons, ammunition, and tactical gear. However, a significant portion of the ads peddle alternative medicines and miracle cures, often using attention-grabbing images to lure users.
The prevalence of low-quality and deceptive ads on Truth Social has not gone unnoticed by its users, who have voiced complaints about being scammed. Despite efforts to address these concerns, the platform continues to struggle with maintaining ad integrity and protecting its user base from fraudulent activities.
The challenges faced by Truth Social have been further exacerbated by its recent public offering on the NYSE, which has been characterized by a decline in stock prices and an over-inflated valuation. With reports of user attrition and financial instability, the platform’s future remains uncertain.
As Truth Social grapples with these setbacks, questions arise about its ability to provide a safe and trustworthy environment for its users. With concerns over brand safety and user experience mounting, the platform faces an uphill battle in establishing itself as a credible alternative to mainstream social media. So how can elderly Trump supporters protect themselves from being scammed on the former president’s social media platform? The best thing to do is not use the app. However, if you can’t live without the former president’s daily insights, rants, and finger-pointing; just stay clear of the ads. As of the time of this writing, no legitimate brands have chosen to advertise on Truth Social.