How to Spot False Advertising in 2025 and What You Can Do About It
Key Takeaways: TL;DR
- False advertising is illegal: misleading ads that hide fees, exaggerate health benefits, or promote fake sales violate consumer protection laws.
- Red flags in 2025 include: “too good to be true” offers, buried fine print, misleading imagery, “free” with strings attached, and evasive answers from companies.
- Types of misleading advertising range from bait-and-switch tactics to greenwashing, fake discounts, unproven medical claims, and failure to disclose critical information.
- The cost of falling victim can include wasted money, health risks, lost time, and emotional stress.
- What you can do: gather evidence, report the deception to the FTC, contact the business directly, or seek legal help through consumer protection attorneys.
- You have rights. With the right support, you can hold corporations accountable and pursue compensation for deceptive advertising.
False advertising is, unfortunately, much more than just an annoyance. More importantly, it’s a violation of your rights as a consumer. Every year, businesses spend billions trying to get your attention, and while most marketing is legal, some cross the line into deception.
From fake advertising claims about “miracle” health products to misleading advertising around “limited-time” sales, these tactics cost consumers money, time, and trust. If you’ve ever wondered,
“What is false advertising? How can you avoid deceptive advertising, and what can you do about false advertising?
This guide is for you. At Bradley/Grombacher LLP, we help consumers nationwide hold companies accountable when they cross the line.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from false or misleading advertising in 2025.
What Is False Advertising?
False advertising happens when a business uses misleading, deceptive, or outright false claims to promote a product or service. While exaggeration (often called “puffery”) like
“the best coffee in town” is usually legal, lying about measurable facts is not.
Examples include:
- Claiming a product has health benefits without proof
- Advertising a sale that doesn’t actually exist
- Showing one product in an ad but delivering something cheaper or lower-quality
- Omitting critical information, like harmful side effects
Under California law, and federal protections enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these practices are illegal. Victims may be entitled to compensation through lawsuits or class actions.
How Can You Avoid Deceptive Advertising?
Spotting misleading advertising isn’t always easy, and many companies have gotten better at disguising false claims. But with a critical eye and some awareness, you can separate genuine offers from fake advertising.
Here are the red flags to watch for in 2025:
1. “Too Good to Be True” Deals
If an ad promises something that seems impossible, like a luxury product at a fraction of the normal price, it’s worth questioning. These deals often mask hidden fees, limited quantities, or bait-and-switch tactics.
For example, a “$1 trial” may lock you into an expensive monthly subscription that’s hard to cancel. Always read the full terms before entering payment information.
2. Fine Print & Footnotes
Deceptive advertising frequently hides critical details in fine print. A bold headline might say “0% interest”, while a small disclaimer reveals that the rate only applies for three months before jumping to 29%.
Don’t just skim ads. Scroll down, read the footnotes, and look for conditions that change the meaning of the main claim.
3. Misleading Imagery
Images can be just as deceptive as words. Food ads might show oversized portions, glowing colors, or fresh ingredients that don’t match reality. Clothing retailers sometimes use lighting tricks or digitally altered photos to make items look higher quality.
If reviews or customer photos online don’t align with the advertising, that’s a strong indicator of false advertising.
4. “Free” That Isn’t Really Free
The word “free” is one of the most abused terms in marketing. Companies may offer a free trial, but require credit card information upfront and automatically charge you when the trial ends. Others may offer “free shipping” but inflate product costs to make up the difference.
If something is labeled free, check what strings are attached: shipping, restocking fees, or automatic renewals are common traps.
5. Unanswered Questions
Transparency matters. If a business dodges questions, avoids specifics, or directs you in circles instead of providing clear answers, that’s a warning sign. Legitimate companies will explain pricing, policies, and product details directly.
If you can’t get a straight answer, there’s a good chance the ad itself is misleading advertising.
Types of Misleading Advertising You Might Encounter
False advertising doesn’t always look the same. Some tactics are subtle, while others are more obvious once you know what to look for. Here are some of the most common forms of misleading advertising:
Bait-and-Switch
A classic trick: the company promotes an attractive deal to draw you in, only for that product to be “out of stock” or available in extremely limited quantities. Salespeople then push you toward a pricier alternative.
This happens frequently with electronics, cars, and travel packages. If the advertised item is never realistically available, it’s false advertising.
Greenwashing
As eco-conscious shopping grows, so does deceptive marketing around it. Labels like “eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” or “biodegradable” are sometimes used without any scientific backing.
For example, a product may technically degrade, but only under industrial conditions, not in your backyard compost. True sustainability claims should come with third-party certifications or clear evidence.
Unsubstantiated Health Claims
From supplements to skincare, products are often sold with promises that sound more like miracles than facts. Words like “clinically proven” or “doctor-recommended” are sometimes used without credible research to back them up.
Relying on these claims can be dangerous, especially when companies suggest a product can replace proper medical treatment.
Fake Sales
You’ve probably seen “50% OFF” signs only to realize the item was never sold at the so-called original price. Inflating prices to make discounts look bigger than they really are is a common form of false advertising in retail.
Real deals should have a verifiable pricing history. If a retailer always seems to have everything “on sale,” you’re likely not saving as much as you think.
Failure to Disclose
Sometimes the problem isn’t what’s said, but what’s left out. A car ad that highlights fuel efficiency but skips over costly maintenance requirements, or a service plan that promotes low monthly payments while hiding large cancellation fees. These are both examples of deceptive advertising by omission.
A fair ad gives you the whole picture, not just the appealing parts.
The Cost of Falling Victim to False Advertising
Apart from being frustrating, being misled by deceptive ads can cause real harm:
- Financial losses: Spending money on something that doesn’t work as promised.
- Health risks: Dangerous products are advertised as safe or beneficial.
- Lost time: Chasing refunds or dealing with defective goods.
- Emotional distress: Feeling tricked or powerless.
- Business harm: Companies can also suffer when suppliers or partners misrepresent products.
What Can You Do About False Advertising?
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of misleading advertising, you have options.
- Gather Evidence: Keep receipts, screenshots, or product packaging.
- Report It: File a complaint with the
FTC or your state consumer protection agency.
- Contact the Company: Sometimes, businesses will resolve disputes when confronted directly.
- Seek Legal Help: If the losses are significant or if the deception is widespread, an attorney can help you file a lawsuit or join a class action.
Why Legal Help After Catastrophic Injury Matters for Consumers Too
Just as victims of catastrophic injuries need strong advocates, so do consumers harmed by false advertising. Both situations involve navigating complex systems, standing up against powerful corporations, and fighting for justice.
Bradley/Grombacher LLP has a proven track record of helping people in these cases, whether you’re dealing with misleading advertising or other consumer protection violations.
How Bradley/Grombacher Can Help You
Our attorneys specialize in false advertising and consumer protection cases. Here’s why clients trust us:
- No upfront costs: You don’t pay unless we win.
- Experienced advocacy: We’ve successfully handled numerous false advertising lawsuits.
- Bilingual support: We assist clients in English and Spanish.
- Nationwide service: While we’re based in California, we handle cases across the U.S.
Whether you’ve been misled by fake advertising, harmful health claims, or deceptive product descriptions, we can help you pursue compensation and accountability.
Know Your Rights in 2025
False advertising isn’t going away. In fact, it’s only getting more sophisticated, especially online and on social media. But knowing how to spot misleading advertising gives you power as a consumer.
And when companies cross the line, the law is on your side. With the right legal help, you can recover financial losses, hold corporations accountable, and help prevent others from being misled.
Take Action Today
If you’ve asked yourself, “What can you do about false advertising?” the answer is clear: don’t face it alone.
Bradley/Grombacher LLP is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us online or call
(866) 881-0403 today for a free consultation.
You don’t have to accept being misled. Together, we can demand honesty and accountability.
