Wayne Gretzky falls victim to social media clickbait scam

This ongoing issue is part of a larger trend of deceptive ads designed to mislead users.

A clickbait scam has recently caught the attention of social media users, and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky is the latest high-profile victim. Social media X, previously known as Twitter, has been rife with deceptive ads designed to grab attention through sensational or misleading headlines. These ads often feature exaggerated images or provocative questions that lure users into clicking, only to direct them to irrelevant or false content.

The latest scam features a disturbing post claiming to show Gretzky being arrested and handcuffed, but it's nothing more than a fake headline designed to generate clicks. The post, circulating widely on social media X, is accompanied by a fabricated image, and there is no truth to the claims of Gretzky's arrest.

The rise of such misleading ads has led to considerable backlash from users. The spread of false information, particularly involving respected figures like Wayne Gretzky, raises concerns about the integrity of social media platforms and the measures taken by their owners to combat misinformation. With ongoing speculations about Elon Musk's financial strategies, some believe that these deceptive tactics might be a desperate attempt to boost platform engagement and revenue.

As the situation unfolds, there may be legal repercussions, including potential class action lawsuits for defamation. The damage to public figures' reputations and the spread of misinformation highlight a significant issue within the digital advertising space.

This situation with Wayne Gretzky closely mirrors the recent scandal involving Sidney Crosby. Crosby was recently the target of a social media scam where his name and image were exploited in clickbait ads across various platforms, including X. These deceptive ads falsely suggested that Crosby was entangled in controversies, such as legal issues or forced retirement due to dangerous supplements.

Despite the current controversy, Wayne Gretzky's legacy remains untarnished by these fraudulent ads. As a true legend in the NHL, Gretzky's career stats are impressive: 1,487 games played, 894 goals, and 1,963 assists, totaling an outstanding 2,857 points. His remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport continue to be celebrated, overshadowing the unfounded claims made in the recent scam.

Source:
Derek Neumeier on X

Source: HockeyDB
Wayne Gretzky Stats}»