TheLastPlaceYou'llLook2 (25 May 2025). "StarScope 'Big Retailers Don't Want You To Have This' Ad"
https://www.youtube.com/embed/XwrhKFkGgeY
Messaging: This is clearly a scam. The ad's messaging works through appealing to a prospective consumers' desires (for how the product might enable them to achieve their goals) and in doing so, uses rhetorical devices https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literary_device#Rhetorical_and_argumentative_devices which allow them to uncritically except the ad's hyperbolic claims. The ad seeks to appeal to socioculturally-located ideas, which have particular significance/meaning to such consumers e.g. ideas around 'military expertise' and the 'authority of science/engineering invention'. Context: The following https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=StarScope+Monocular e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67350MLGXXQ&t=27s includes videos, which are generally critical of the ad's adverting claims. Transcription! Transcript: "Big retailers don't want you to have this zoom lens, but there's nothing they can do to stop it. So, there's this new super powerful monocular, and it's got the zooming power of a military sniper scope. It's already banned from Home Depot, Amazon, Walmart... all those big box stores for being too powerful. And now, the company behind it is cutting out the middleman, selling over 1.5 million units in the last month, all without those big retailers who just jack up the price tag. What makes this powerful zoom lens unique is that it can be attached to your smartphone camera to make movie quality pictures and video footage. Now, this thing has been featured on Fox, ABC, NBC, you name it. But here's the kicker - some folks are saying it could be banned soon. Why? Because the product safety committee thinks civilians shouldn't have access to something so powerful, something designed for military use. So, while it's still legal, people are scrambling to get their hands on one before any restrictions hit. Originally, this was made for military use, essential for military sniper teams during recon missions in the toughest environments. And now, it's been adapted for us regular folks, it's called the Star Scope Monocular, and it's wild. Originally developed for the US Special Forces, this compact zoom lens lets you zoom in on stuff miles away. And the kicker, it takes photos and videos with this insane clarity, like those fancy DSLR cameras. It's using military-grade optics technology to magnify 30 times more than any other monocular out there. Stick it on your phone and you're shooting movie quality footage. It's tough as nails, too. Waterproof, freeze proof, and can handle the desert heat. And man, the uses are endless. Whether you're hiking, stargazing, hitting up a concert, or even playing spy, this thing's got you covered. Since hitting TV, they've sold 2 million units in the last 30 days. And get this, by cutting out the middleman, they can offer it at a much lower price without the extra markup. Lucky for us, the company behind Starscope is doing some market research and giving away their zoom lens to first-time buyers for 50% off in the US. Yeah, you heard that right. You can get it at half price today. Thousands have already jumped on this promo. Just fill out your shipping info and they'll send you the Star Scope at 50% off. But remember, this is a limited time deal and stock runs out fast. Last time they sold out in under 3 hours, so why risk paying full price tomorrow when you can get it for 50% off today? Check it out ASAP. Click the button below or scan the QR code to grab yours at half price." Example: The following ad (for a seemingly obvious sham/falsified product) 'NeoSocket / Fuel Shark Gas Saver' https://newpractices.co.uk/messaging/#7sjwSdYG23Y uses similarly deceitful messaging techniques as used here. In doing so, consider how it deploys messaging techniques used to communicate value about legitimate products such as the ad for the "Oral-B iO Toothbrush Heads: Change now and get back to 100% cleaning power" https://newpractices.co.uk/messaging/#vWhRSmuOU6g such as the 'authority of science/engineering invention' etc. Related: DW Fact Check (5 July 2026). "How to spot fake AI ads selling unreal products" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT4D-CCBmB0&t=127s
