Consumer Law Chapter 45

bait-and-switch advertising

A deceptive practice in which a seller advertises a low-priced item, generally unavailable to the consumer, and then pushes the consumer to buy a more expensive item.

multiple-product order

A form of cease-and-desist order issued by the FTC that applies not only to a specified product but also to other products produced by the same firm.

consent order

A statement in which a company agrees to stop disputed behavior but does not admit that it broke the law.

half-truth

Information that is true but is not complete.

corrective advertising

Advertising in which a company explicitly states that formerly advertised claims were untrue. Also called counteradvertising.

cease-and-desist order

An FTC order requiring that a company stop its illegal behavior.

ad substantiation

An FTC standard requiring that advertisers have a reasonable basis for the claims made in their ads.

industry guides

Interpretations of consumer laws created by the FTC to encourage businesses to stop unlawful behavior.

deceptive advertising

The practice of advertising with claims that mislead or could mislead a reasonable consumer.

puffing

The use of generalities and clear exaggerations.