Analyst warns netizens to beware of fake link bait

A security analyst has reportedly pointed out that Internet surfers need to be aware of link baits that are circulated on social networks, coaxing people into clicking them, only to lead them to a fake site, in a bid to have more click through rate 'CTR'.

The false links have been around since the beginning of Internet but spammers have recently shifted their focus on social networks, which hold the attention of millions of users per day.

Digital media director at Acceleration Media, Chanel MacKay warned that the use of link bait could seriously damage the brand among consumers, despite the unscrupulous manner increasing the CTR, News24 reports.

According to the report, such link baits would include provocative videos with such gripping descriptions that a user can't help but click on it out of sheer curiosity, and doing so eventually automatically shares the content on the user's profile page, making the post go viral or lead to forced app downloads and malware installations.

The report said that some marketers have also been using images of famous personalities like Sir Richard Branson, Warren Buffet and Bill Gates in baited advertising to sell what appear to be glorified pyramid scheme programmes.

MacKay said that low CTRs are not the problem; it's all about what the advertisers' objectives are and how one measures them.

The analyst further advised that consumers should look out for the advertiser logo to ensure that the banner offer is legit, the report added.