Dark Patterns Signal Deceptive Ads (with Criminologist Dr Judy Christman Yates)
17:01 Share

With Special Guest, Criminologist, Dr. Judy Christman Yates

In this episode, Dr Christman Yates points out dark patterns in advertisements that are psychologically deceptive, specifically designed to induce false beliefs. They often get us us to purchase more than we want or misunderstand what we're getting.

Here are common tricks that are used:

1. We're told that the product or service is only availble for a limited period of time.
2. The ads look like editorials, giving them unwarranted credibility. (Watch
   for buzz words such as News, Educational, Journal, etc.
3. The ads use logos from reputable organizations such as the Food & Drug Administration. (If you look closely, you may see a disclaimer in miniscule letters saying that they are not a part of the organization depicted in the logo.)
4. Additional fees and charges are often added very late in the buying process. They may add on high shipping fees, and/or 'convenience fees.'

TIPS:

• If you're offered a free trial and are then required to provide a credit or
  debit card, don't trust it!
• Use trusted websites. Look closely at the site's url.
• Avoid clicking on pop ups.
• Don't believe pop ups, texts or emails that tell you that you've won something. It's likely a scam to get your personal information.
• Read the fine print when considering a purchase.
• Pay with a credit card. (You'll be more likely to recover the money if it's a scam.)
• Be sure to review your credit card statements every month for unauthorized charges! (If too much time has passed, it's unlikely your bank will refund the charges.)
• Report suspicious websites and online companies to ic3.gov

At the end of this podcast, Vicki shares some good news! Here's a teaser. Have you noticed that you aren't getting the dreaded phone calls about renewing your extended auto warranty? Find out why!

If you'd like to speak to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson to report a scam or tell your story on SCAM SQUAD, call the Santa Barbara District Attorney's FRAUD HOTLINE at 805-568-2442. 0 Comments