The advertisement creates the impression that it recommends slimming dietary supplements. V. Kurpienė herself categorically denies this and urges people not to be deceived.
Read more The end of the match of the Japanese tennis talent raised doubts: did he lose on purpose?
“An advertisement is again circulating online using my name and face, claiming that I recommend slimming supplements. This is a LIE,” warned V. Kurpienė on social media.
She emphasizes that her only official website is sulieknek.lt, and paid advertisements are published only on her official “Facebook” and “Instagram” accounts and are related to slimming programs, not dietary supplements.
Asks people to collect evidence
All who notice such or similar deceptive advertisements are asked by the nutrition specialist to take a screenshot of the advertisement, copy its link, and send the information to her via private message. Links and screenshots can also be shared under her post.
Another important step is to report the deceptive advertisement to the social network platform itself. “Facebook” or “Instagram” users can select the report ad feature and indicate that the advertisement is misleading or possibly related to fraud.
“Let’s gather information together and find out who is behind these advertisements. Thank you to everyone who helps,” V. Kurpienė addressed the public.
The specialist also asks people to respond to her warning and share it – this way information about the scam can reach more potential victims.
This is not the first time
15min reminds that this situation is not new to V. Kurpienė. Her name and image have been used without permission in similar advertisements before.
Read more NKVC: yellow air hazard has been declared due to a flock of birds
As early as March 30, 2019, more than seven years ago, V. Kurpienė publicly warned her followers about a deceptive advertisement circulating on “Facebook” at that time.
“ANOTHER SCAM… If you see such an advertisement on your wall – be sure to report it to ‘Facebook’,” she wrote then.
In 2019, V. Kurpienė also pointed out that names and images of other well-known people in Lithuania might have been used in such advertisements. As one example, she mentioned doctor Alvydas Unikauskas, emphasizing that he does not advertise or sell such slimming products.
A known face – a tool to gain trust
Such advertisements can be especially dangerous because a familiar, trustworthy person is presented to the user. Seeing a photo of a well-known nutrition specialist or doctor and an alleged recommendation, a person might believe that the advertised product is truly endorsed by them.
However, a photo, name, or even an alleged quote in an advertisement does not necessarily mean that the person has anything to do with the advertised product.
Therefore, when encountering slimming supplements, medicines, or other health-related products advertised with a well-known person’s name, it is worth first checking that person’s official communication channels. Advertisements promising quick or unusually easy weight loss and urging immediate purchase should be treated with particular caution.
Read more “Rubber torn, screws loose everywhere”: the condition of the railway tracks raised questions
