A bait and switch scam is a deceptive sales strategy where a seller lures customers with the promise of a product or service at a low price but later encourages them to purchase a more expensive item. This tactic is often used in various industries, including retail, real estate, and online marketplaces. Understanding how bait and switch scams work can help consumers recognize and avoid them.

Bait and switch scams begin with the "bait" – an attractive offer for a product or service at a very low price. Advertisements for these offers are often highly visible, drawing significant customer interest. Once the customer shows interest and visits the store or website, they find out that the product is either unavailable, of poor quality, or not as described.

At this point, the seller employs the "switch." They redirect the customer towards a more expensive product or service, claiming it is a better deal or that the original item is out of stock. The goal is to persuade the customer to spend more money than they initially intended.

Limited stock claims: Sellers advertise a great deal but claim the product is sold out upon customer inquiry, pushing a higher-priced alternative.

Low-quality products: The advertised product is available but of such low quality that the customer feels compelled to consider more expensive options.

High-pressure sales: Salespeople use high-pressure tactics to convince customers that the higher-priced item is a much better choice or the only viable option.

Bait and switch tactics are illegal and unethical. They violate consumer protection laws in many countries. Regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States actively investigate and penalize companies engaging in these practices.

Consumers can protect themselves by recognizing common signs of bait and switch scams:

Too-good-to-be-true offers: Be wary of deals that seem unbelievably good. Verify the product's availability before making a purchase.

Persistent upselling: If a seller insists on showing you more expensive items despite your interest in the advertised deal, it might be a bait and switch tactic.

Sudden unavailability: If the advertised product is suddenly out of stock or unavailable, but similar higher-priced items are offered, this could indicate a scam.

Research sellers: Check reviews and ratings of the seller before making a purchase. Look for any complaints about bait and switch tactics.

Ask questions: Inquire about the availability and details of the advertised product. If the seller avoids direct answers, it’s a red flag.

Document interactions: Keep records of advertisements, emails, and conversations. This can be useful if you need to report the seller to consumer protection agencies.

If you encounter a bait and switch scam, report it to the appropriate authorities. In the United States, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s consumer protection office. Providing detailed information about your experience helps regulatory bodies take action against deceptive sellers.