Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Some Ads on the web use wacky pictures to get your attention and pretty big promises to get you to sign up for services-- but most of them are just companies trying to get your attention. Whether they use goofy pictures or big promises on web ads to do it, the Real Deal is: they're selling a service.
One ad campaign tries to get you to sign up for classes and work toward an on-line degree. And while there is financial aid available for those who qualify, no one is going to get a free ride. Also, that financial aid is not a new development.
Another set of ads say President Obama is urging you to refinance your mortgage. The Real Deal is that homeowners facing the real risk of foreclosure may be able to get a better interest rate under a federal program, but you don't have to pay for it. It's called a loan modification and HUD counselors will walk you through the process, free-of charge.
And then there are the companies who flat out lie, claiming Obama is just going to hand you some free grant money. They’ll say that it got passed in the stimulus bill and you can use it for anything you want. This is false. The stimulus bill did not include any funding for individuals who just need money.
As always, if you see or hear something and want the Real Deal, you can call our Your Stories line at 446-9900 or email us anytime at
yourstories@9wsyr.com.
