Counterfeit Apple Ad on Instagram Raises Concerns about Self-serve Platform
- Wednesday, January 27th, 2016
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An advert appearing on Instagram which presented itself as an Apple ad has been exposed as illegitimate.
According to The Drum, the ad first appeared in the app on 12 January, offering users the chance to win an iPhone 6S, in exchange for sharing personal information, including financial details. It claimed to be posted by Apple Store UK, but the ad was actually bought by adult entertainment company Moonlight Mobile.
The ad had received over 12,000 likes before it was removed by Instagram for violating the companys ad policies. 
Instagram opened up its ad platform to any and all advertisers last year with the introduction of an API. This ad raises questions about the security measures in place to prevent fraudulent activity through the platform.
