Social networkers are advised to read the fine print when responding to online advertisements found on Facebook, MySpace or other social networking sites, including blogs, because the large print doesn’t always tell the whole story. While social networking sites are now more popular than e-mail, and $1.3 billion is forecast to be spent on social networking advertising in 2009, the San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) cited three examples of misleading ads for weight-loss products, work-at-home business ventures and an offer of a “free” laptop computer that recently appeared on social networking sites:  • The claim of losing four dress sizes, as well as an endorsement by Oprah, was part of a recent pitch to sell acai berry supplements as a weight-loss miracle. The ads linked consumers to blogs that looked like testimonials from satisfied customers. However, the fine print revealed that consumers could get billed as much as $87.13 every month if they did not cancel before the trial period ends, and the trial period would begin from the moment the customer ordered the supplements — instead of the date when the products were delivered.  • Stay-at-home mothers were told they could earn $67,000 a year by working only 10 hours a week, according to a blog written by “Sarah Roberts.” Another questionable blog was ostensibly written by newly married “Jason,” who claimed he made “around $5,500 to $7,000 a month from Google.” According to BBB information, the blogs redirected readers to websites where they could sign up for a free, seven-day trail access on how to make money from home. Even though the “free” trial supposedly costs only $1.95 to $2.95, the fine print said that consumers would be charged up to $69.90 every month if they did not cancel within seven days from signing up, and the company would not provide refunds.  • A free purple, red, pink or green Macbook computer was promised to consumers who would agree to volunteer as laptop testers. However, the links led to an incentive marketing program where participants had to use their credit card to purchase vitamin supplements or DVD rental services. Another site required participants to pay $1,500 for furniture or a travel package with a minimum value of $899 per person before receiving their MacBook, which Apple does not even make in purple, red, pink or green.  “Not all ads on social networking sites are misleading, but consumers need to use extreme caution and should always carefully read the fine print before providing their credit card and other personal information,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB president/CEO.  The nonprofit San Diego BBB, which opened in 1921, is San Diego’s largest countywide business membership organization. The BBB promotes business ethics through voluntary self-regulation and consumer and business education and provides the largest free service of its kind with free consumer protection advice and free reliability reports on more than 101,000 local companies. Before buying decisions are made, consumers are encouraged to phone the BBB’s free 24-hour consumer helpline at (858) 496-2131 or (800) 600-7050. Consumers may also visit the BBB website — www.bbb.org — to obtain free information and a list of BBB-accredited businesses in a particular type of industry. — Provided as a public service by the San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB).