Warning
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Warning
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Simple English definitions for legal terms
bait and switch
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A quick definition of bait and switch:
A "bait and switch" is when a seller tricks you by advertising something they don't really want to sell. They lure you in with a good deal, but then try to sell you something else that's more expensive or not as good. This is not fair and can be against the law. It's like if someone offered you a candy bar, but then tried to make you buy a whole box of candy instead.
A more thorough explanation:
A “bait and switch” is a dishonest sales tactic used by some sellers to lure customers into buying a product or service that they do not actually intend to sell. The seller creates an attractive offer, known as “the bait,” to get the customer interested. Then, the seller switches the customer to a different product or service, usually at a higher price or with less desirable features, known as “the switch.”
For example, a car dealership might advertise a popular car model at a very low price to attract customers. When the customer arrives at the dealership, the salesperson tells them that the advertised car is no longer available, but offers them a more expensive model instead. This is a classic bait and switch tactic.
Another example is a store advertising a sale on a popular electronic device, but when the customer arrives to purchase it, they are told that the device is out of stock. The salesperson then tries to sell the customer a more expensive device with similar features.
Bait and switch tactics are illegal and can result in legal action against the seller. They are considered a form of fraud and deception, as the seller is intentionally misleading the customer to make a sale.