Bait-and-Switch

BAIT-AND-SWITCH REFERS TO fraudulent advertising committed by retailers to lure potential customers into their place of business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines bait-and-switch advertising as: “an alluring but insincere offer to sell a product or service the advertiser does not intend or want to sell.”

The true intent of the advertising is to steer the consumer to a product other than the one listed in the advertisement, which usually generates a higher profit margin to the retailer as well as costs the consumer more.

An example of bait-and-switch advertising is: ABC Computers advertises a $399 complete computer system for sale; upon arrival to the retail location the consumer makes reference to the advertisement; the salesperson attempts to steer the consumer to another product through various methods ...