Scenario: A local electronics store advertises a digital camera for an amazing price to the first 100 people in the door.

Scam: You are there at opening and there are none of the advertised cameras left. However, the sales associate is pleased to show you a similar but more expensive camera.

A classic bait and switch occurs when an item is advertised at a price so low that you just "have to" go to the store to get it. That is the "BAIT". Once you, and everyone else who has been conned into going, get to the store you find that the item is either sold out or the salesperson tries to convince you that the product is not for you in the first place. In fact, the advertised item may never have been available and the ad was used just to get you into the store. Then the "SWITCH" is made when the salesperson encourages you to purchase a more expensive item.

The primary reason for employing a bait and switch is to put the salesperson in contact with people who he can "up-sell." There is no fraud if the salesperson is just aggressively pushing sales of a more expensive product, but the advertised special is still available. Likewise, if the advertising for the sale includes a note indicating that "quantities are limited" and the product is sold out, this likely is not a fraud.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a Bait and Switch Fraud we want to know. Contact us and take ACTION NOW!