BECOME AN INSTANT BRAND AMBASSADOR!

In recent years, as technology improves, social media platforms have become very popular, especially among young people. It is not uncommon for children as young as 9 years to be seen with a smartphone and checking their own social media outlets, such as Snapchat and Instagram.

That’s an issue, itself. However, Instagram is the main focus of this column. This is a platform where users can post pictures, videos, temporary “stories” and promote their business, brand, or art. Some users spend a lot of time making their page look aesthetically pleasing by posting pictures that look good next to one another, and by keeping the number of their “followers” higher than the number of posters they are following, themselves.

Recently I was approached by various brand ambassadors for different clothing lines after posting a photo and tagging Fashion Nova, since their product was being worn. 

I received comments persuading me to send a direct message to the brand ambassadors, telling me they wanted me to collaborate with them, and become a brand ambassador, as well. Out of curiosity, I sent them a message to see what it was all about.

These companies paint a very pretty picture. They offer 50 percent off their clothing items and a chance to be featured on their page, along with the ability to make money by selling their items. There is a catch, however: In order for me to benefit from this deal, I would first need to purchase one of their items, and advertise it on my own page.

 At first glance, this doesn’t seem like such a bad deal. You get to buy something you like at discount and possibly get featured on a more popular page, which might give your own page more followers. After purchasing that item, a promo code is created for your followers to use, and ideally you’d get a cut if they purchase items using your specific promo code. All you need to do is post a picture and story using their products!

It seemed exciting to be approached by brands, and to be a part of something bigger. But the reality is, these brands are targeting young adults as a medium for free advertisement and sales revenue.

The so-called benefits for someone like myself is getting a 50 percent discount on an overpriced shirt. A brand called CHIC NYC was one of the companies that reached out to me. I got redirected to a page where I needed to provide an email address and await confirmation for them to approve my application. This approval was received within an hour, along with an in-depth email on all of the possible opportunities I could receive after I had purchased their merchandise.

 Now, the biggest scam of this whole process is not only the free advertising they would be getting, but more significantly, the fact they are strongly encouraging young adults to buy their products. Specifically, the very un-stylish, plain, graphic tees for $30 at 50 percent off, when it is quite evident that these shirts did not cost much to be made in the first place.

These businesses are not bound to any contract that promises they will hold up their end of the deal. Once the product is purchased and then posted, their sales job is done. Hundreds of women fall for this scam, all over the world.

It is important to navigate social media with an awareness of these vague offers – whether at age 9, 19 or whatever – and not fall for all the false advertisement happening there.