Define: Bait And Switch Advertising

Bait and switch advertising is a deceptive marketing tactic in which a business lures customers in with an attractive offer (the “bait”) and then tries to upsell them to a more expensive product or service (the “switch”).

Yes, bait and switch advertising is illegal under consumer protection laws. It is considered a form of false advertising and can result in legal action and penalties for the business.

Businesses that engage in bait and switch advertising can face lawsuits, fines, and damage to their reputation. They may also be required to compensate affected customers.

Bait and switch advertising often involves a too-good-to-be-true offer that is not actually available, followed by pressure to purchase a more expensive alternative. It may also involve misleading or ambiguous language in the advertisement.

Yes, if you have been a victim of bait and switch advertising, you may have grounds to sue the business for false advertising and seek compensation for any financial losses or damages.

You can report the business to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s attorney general’s office. You can also consider seeking legal advice from a consumer protection attorney.

In some cases, businesses may be able to offer a substitute product or service if the original offer is unavailable, as long as the substitute is of equal or greater value and the customer is informed of the change before making a purchase.

Yes, online businesses are also subject to laws prohibiting bait and switch advertising. The same rules and consequences apply to online marketing tactics.

Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, read the fine print, and be wary of high-pressure sales tactics. If something feels off, trust your instincts and consider walking away.

If you have already been a victim of bait and switch advertising, you can file a complaint with the FTC, seek legal advice, and consider leaving a negative review to warn others about the business’s deceptive practices.