Misleading & Unethical Advertising Techniques

Get Rich Quick Schemes

Ads that offer an opportunity to earn a lot of money in a short amount of time with very little effort

Health Fraud

Promises overnight medical cures and treatments (preys on people’s fears)

Products developed after “years of research" and "proven to provide immediate positive Results

Credit Repair

Offers, for a fee, to fix a bad credit record

Product Misrepresentation

Uses name similar to nationally-recognized brand

Merchandise offered at below-market value for a limited time only

Vague descriptions of product

Travel Fraud

Offers accompanied by certificates for free or very low cost travel

Vague description of services and accommodations

Bait and Switch

Advertisement entices consumers into the store with bargains that are too good to be true.

Once consumers are in the store, they are told the item is unavailable and are shown a similar but more expensive item.

Often-high-pressure sales tactics are used.

Illegal in Canada.

Exploitation of fears and misgivings

Ad feeds or plays on consumers' fears (safety)

Specials

Advertisement of products that are not in stock or that are not readily available to consumers at the advertised price

Out-of-Context Quotations

Comments by a noted person (eg celebrity) or passages from a story taken out of context to imply an endorsement of a product or service.