When you’re looking to contact a business, you’re probably used to going to Google (or some other search engine) and searching for it online. That can also be true if you or someone you care about is looking for a clinic that treats substance use disorders. Unfortunately, some dishonest businesses are taking advantage. Here’s what to know.
Your top search results online are often paid ads. But dishonest businesses sometimes use those paid ads to impersonate other treatment centers — using another center’s name to make you think you’re contacting them when the number really belongs to the dishonest business. When you call, they may not tell you clearly who they are and may redirect you to treatment that might not be close to home or what you’re looking for.
If you’re searching for treatment (or anything else) online, make sure you’re dealing with the real thing:
- Know that the first two or three search results you see might be ads a company paid to place based on the search terms you used. These paid or “sponsored” ads may or may not be what you’re looking for.
- Don’t assume a phone number that comes up in search results belongs to a legitimate business or the company you searched. Scroll to the unpaid search results to help make sure you have the right website or contact info.
- Go directly to a company or organization’s website to find accurate contact information. Type a company’s website address directly into your browser if you know it.
To get real help near you, start at FindTreatment.gov. And if you spot a dishonest business, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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