The Law Offices Of William F. Underwood, III - May 2023

HOW TO SPOT FAKE ONLINE INFLUENCERS IS THIS A REAL BRAND?

“Hey! I’m on the promoter team for X business, and we think you are a perfect fit for our ambassador program.” Messages like this and many others are a common tactic that fake brands and scammers use to trick people. Some may think this will only happen to people with large followings, but that’s not always true. Even your child may receive direct messages or comments on photos from scammers who want to take advantage of their naivete.

The first way to determine if an account is fake is if you notice a comment on one of your pictures saying, “Can you DM us?” If a brand wants to work with you or your child, they will reach out to you directly, not the other way around. If a “company” posts a comment, it’s most likely a bot that sent an automated message after it flagged a specific hashtag or word. If you receive a message from someone saying they are from a particular company, be cautious before accepting their proposal. If the company isn’t messaging you from its main account, it’s most likely a scam. An example of these messages was shown at the beginning of this article. Additionally, since this should be a professional business proposal, if the message includes emojis, it’s another sign that the account is probably a bot.

or offers an ambassadorship immediately. This is an easy way for scammers to steal your hard-earned money. If a brand wants you to try their products, ensure that it’s in writing that they will give it to you for free or reimburse you. While it’s exciting that a brand wants to work with you or your child, please research and ensure the company is real before accepting any partnership. Trusting your gut and taking preventive measures will go a long way.

So, how do you spot these fake brands and influencers?

When you first look at the individual and the company’s business social media accounts, everything may seem genuine at first. However, the major difference between fake and real influencers and companies is that fake brands will have unauthentic accounts and bots — meaning their audience isn’t even real.

Furthermore, proceed cautiously if the account asks you to buy their product first

MAKE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MANDATORY

Bikers also represent a large number of those injured in vehicle accidents. That same year, nearly 82,528 motorcyclists experienced injuries after an accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA also revealed that many of those who lost their lives while riding a motorcycle shared some common faults, including the presence of alcohol, not wearing a helmet, or not obtaining a motorcycle license. Tips to Stay Safe You should always have the proper certification to handle a motorcycle. When you receive a motorcycle license, you’re taught mandatory safety regulations and are better equipped to share the road than those without a license. This should go without saying, but we ask that all bikers ride sober and with a proper helmet. If you were to experience an accident, these factors can not only make you at fault but also risk your life. As for drivers, always concentrate on the road and watch for motorcyclists. If you see a biker while driving, note where they are and give them enough space to turn streets or change lanes safely. Bikers have as much right to be on the road as your fellow drivers. If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle collision, our team can help. Call our office at 229-888-0888 for expert guidance on what you should do after experiencing an accident.

Motorcycling is well-known as a risky mode of transportation. While motorcyclists should always follow proper safety laws, so should drivers who share the road with them. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and we want to remind you of the vulnerable position bikers are often in when on the road, and safety tips you should consistently enforce, whether you’re on two wheels or four. Why is motorcycle safety vital? Although motorcycles make up only 3% of registered vehicles on American roads, they also made up 14% of all traffic deaths in 2020. With their smaller size, it can be challenging for drivers to see motorcycles while driving larger vehicles. As a result, accidents are more prone to occur, with the biker receiving most of the damage due to their exposure. 14% may not seem like much to some, but this equates to 5,579 motorcyclists who lost their lives.

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