July 10, 2025

While at a restaurant, I viewed Facebook on my cell phone and was really enticed viewing that I could make my Apple Watch look smarter by just paying $.99 to acquire new faces to my Apple Watch.  So, I did pay into the Facebook application to a company, fsfaces.com.  When I got home, about a half hour later, I got to my computer to download those Apple Watch faces but nothing appeared.  I quickly checked the company using Google.

Based on the search results from Google:

About fsfaces.com

Fsfaces.com appears to be a company selling watch face customization apps for Apple devices. However, user reviews suggest that the company’s practices are questionable. Many users report being subjected to unauthorized recurring charges for subscriptions they did not explicitly agree to. 

Based on user reviews, fsfaces.com seems to employ tactics that make it difficult for users to cancel unwanted subscriptions, often ignoring cancellation requests or providing non-functional links. This has led many to label the company as fraudulent or a scam. Users frequently advise contacting banks or credit card companies directly to dispute charges and prevent future unauthorized transactions. 

In conclusion, it’s crucial to exercise caution when interacting with fsfaces.com due to numerous reports of fraudulent activity and difficulty in managing subscriptions.

I then used Trustpilot (https://www.trustpilot.com/review/fsfaces.com) and found that it has an apparent horrible reputation.  The word “scam” was frequently used in the submitted reviews.

Example Review:

“Watch out for this scammer

“Watch out for this scammer , I paid like a dollar for the app. The faces aren’t even real watch faces just a scam as you need to have the app open as long as u want the face to show . I got hit by 7 charges of $29.99 USD one fine day and this scammer didn’t mention any price or anything . After raising a dispute he sends back dated invoices quickly and sends me a link to unsubscribe but I have never subscribed in the first place and his system didn’t recognize me either . Never download this piece of garbage .”

Date of experience: June 07, 2025”

I copied, from my computer, my credit card charges, not one but two, which were still pending, printed them out and dashed over to my credit union.

My credit union canceled my credit card, took my credit card, shredded it and initiated an investigation!  They requested that their company expedite sending me a new credit card. They then warned me about Facebook and Twitter.

I then dashed over to my local Apple Store to notify them about this scam but the Apple Store employee was not interested!

As a result from hearIing from my credit union to watch out buying from Facebook and Twitter, I then did a Google search “is facebook trustworthy”

Facebook

Facebook, now under the umbrella of Meta Platforms, has faced ongoing scrutiny and controversy surrounding its handling of user data and privacy, leading to questions about its trustworthiness. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key concerns:

• Data Collection and Usage: Facebook collects extensive user data, including personal information, browsing habits, and interactions across the web. This data is primarily used for targeted advertising, raising concerns about its intrusiveness.
• Privacy Scandals and Breaches: Facebook has been at the center of numerous privacy scandals and data breaches, significantly eroding user trust.
  • Cambridge Analytica: This scandal involved the improper acquisition and use of data from millions of Facebook users for political targeting during the 2016 US presidential election.
  • Data Leaks: In 2021, personal data of over 533 million Facebook users was published online after being scraped due to a vulnerability patched in 2019.
  • Sharing Data with Third Parties: Reports indicate that Facebook previously granted access to users’ private messages and other sensitive information to third-party companies without explicit consent.
• User Trust Surveys: Surveys have consistently shown low levels of trust in Facebook among users regarding their data privacy and handling of information.
  • A Washington Post-Schar School poll revealed that 72% of Internet users trust Facebook “not much” or “not at all” with their data.
  • A 2022 Digital Trust Benchmark study ranked Facebook as the least trusted social media platform among nine major platforms.
• Scams and Phishing: Facebook is a target for scammers and fraudsters who use fake profiles, messages, and links to trick users into revealing personal information or downloading malware. 

TikTok

Is TikTok Shop trustworthy for purchases?

TikTok Shop is a legitimate platform operated by TikTok that allows users to buy and sell products directly within the app. However, like any online marketplace, it has risks, and users should exercise caution when making purchases. 

Here’s a balanced perspective on the trustworthiness of TikTok Shop:

Reasons for caution

• Scams and counterfeit products: There have been reports of scams, including counterfeit or low-quality items, and non-delivery of orders.
• Phishing attempts: Be aware of potential phishing attempts where scammers may impersonate TikTok or sellers to obtain personal information.
• Inconsistent product quality: Quality can vary as the platform hosts various third-party sellers.
• Unclear return policies: Some sellers may have difficult-to-understand return and refund policies. 

Measures TikTok has in place to increase trustworthiness

• Verified seller badges: Look for the blue checkmark indicating a verified seller.
• Secure payment systems: Payments are processed within TikTok’s secure system.
• Buyer protection policies: TikTok Shop offers refunds for issues like counterfeit products or non-delivery.
• Dispute resolution system: A system is available to help resolve issues between buyers and sellers, according to ExpressVPN.
• Seller verification process: Sellers must provide identification or business licenses.
• Monitoring and algorithms: TikTok uses technology to detect fraud and policy violations, although some may still appear. 

Tips for safer shopping on TikTok Shop

• Research the seller: Check for verified badges, ratings, and reviews.
• Read product descriptions carefully: Look for details about the item.
• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true: Very low prices can be a sign of a scam.
• Use secure payment methods: Use the in-app payment system and consider a credit card or PayPal for added protection.
• Do not share personal or financial information outside the app: Legitimate sellers will not ask for sensitive details via direct messages or external links.
• Report suspicious activity: Inform TikTok’s support team if you encounter a fraudulent seller or message. 

In conclusion, TikTok Shop can be a good place to find unique items, but it’s important to be cautious, just like with any online marketplace. Following these safety tips and using TikTok’s buyer protection features can help minimize risks. 

Posted July 12, 2025 by Score Card