These Outrageous Marketing Scams Are The Definition Of False Advertising (We’re Shaking Our Heads)
Advertising can be deceptive, which is why it's crucial for consumers to stay sharp and watch out for misleading claims or potential scams. These folks were definitely left disappointed when they saw what showed up compared to what was promised.
No Sugar Added (Except All The Added Sugars)
The front of this bag boldly states "No Sugar Added," but the nutrition label on the back says otherwise. It lists 32g of sugar, with 15g coming from “Added Sugars,” making the front-facing claim pretty misleading.
Mangos Are A Great Source Of Vitamin A (But Not These Ones)
Mangos are naturally packed with Vitamin A, and this can of mango nectar proudly promotes that on the front label.
But a look at the nutrition facts on the back tells a different story—not a trace of Vitamin A is listed.
$20 Off Everything (Except The Shoes In The Picture)
Finding a deal on your favorite shoes or clothes is always a thrill—but this sign feels like a total letdown. It boldly advertises $20 off any pair of Nikes, yet the fine print beside the women's Nike shoe reads, "Excludes Nike." Talk about a classic bait and switch!
This Knife Is Confused About Its Identity
This kitchen knife's packaging labels it as both a "copper knife" and “stainless steel.”
If it’s actually a stainless steel knife with a copper coating, the packaging doesn’t make that clear at all.
Technically, They Are Telling The Truth
Certain businesses understand that misleading advertising can be effective—especially when they're upfront about it.
This pub found a clever way to attract customers, particularly those who might not catch the full message at first glance.
This Is A New Low For Packaging Tricks
This bulk pack of markers is not as bulky as the customer originally thought.
A large cardboard box takes up space in the middle of the container to help the package look filled out, but really it's just empty space.
The Old Switcheroo
This packaging creates the perfect opportunity for a bait-and-switch prank.
A mom uploaded this picture and said she swapped the bread inside the bags to trick her 11-year-old son with the raisin bread instead of chocolate chips. He was unimpressed.
Just A Few Extra Service Fees...
Airbnb doesn't exactly make it clear how fast those service fees can add up—sometimes almost doubling the cost of your stay.
This guy was shocked by the extra fees on his booking and started wondering if a hotel would’ve been the better option.
Hello, I'm A Trojan Horse
One company tried to trick buyers into thinking they were getting an eco-friendly "paper bottle." But it soon became obvious that the "paper bottle" was just a plastic bottle covered with a cardboard sleeve.
Who Is Kate And Why Is She Lying?
This dollar-store "Kate's Home Candles" might seem appealing, but peeling back the label reveals the truth: it's just a plain Mainstays candle. No "Kate" had anything to do with making this one!
This Pizza Tastes Like False Advertising
The pizza box shows a picture of a chef skillfully kneading dough, making it seem like the pizza is handmade. But in small, barely noticeable print, there's a disclaimer that says, "Product is not handmade," quickly ruining the impression.
Expectations Vs. Reality, Fruit Edition
This is a classic case of expectation versus reality—where the grocery store showcased an appealing image of what customers should receive, only to deliver something entirely off the mark.
The fruit pizza on the left looks polished and appetizing, while the one the customer actually got resembles something a toddler might throw together for breakfast.
This Ham Is All Smoke And Mirrors
This sandwich was likely the biggest disappointment of someone's day. Upon opening it, they discovered it was just a few slices of ham carefully arranged to give the illusion of a hearty filling.
With such a skimpy portion, there's no doubt they had to grab something else to satisfy their hunger.
The Wind Seeker Found More Than It Bargained For
The Wind Seeker may sound like a thrilling high-flying ride, but ironically, it's not very wind-friendly.
Even a light breeze is enough to keep it firmly on the ground—so when the wind shows up, this "seeker" stops seeking altogether.
Lay's Is A Jokester For This
This is about as fake as it gets because every Lays chip bag contains at least 40% air in the top of the bag.
This type of chip volume simply does not exist in real life.
Not The Color On The Outside
Usually, nail polish bottles are glass or the sticker shows the color inside.
This person was let down when they opened their nail polish jars to find out that the colors inside did not match the colors on the label. At least the purple is close, but the pink is way off.
Eight Days A Week Open Five Days A Week
It's hard to beat the competition when they say they are open 8 days a week, like this Imaging & Copy center.
It's too bad that their actual operating hours contradict their "Eight Days A Week" business name.
Super Easy To Open If You Have Scissors
The packaging on this lunch meat says "Easy Open" but the picture proves that it's actually the opposite of easy.
This mildly infuriating situation is only made worse by the fact that this person was probably hungry.
What The Heck Is Push Root Beer?
This person paid a "convenience charge" for a name-brand soda from the vending machine.
When the pop dispensed it was this random "unheard-of brand" and not at all the Mug rootbeer that they had paid extra for.
Chipotle Is Not Fooling Anyone Here
One burrito lover was left annoyed when they realized that "Chipotle goes all-out advertising that for the next week delivery is free, and then casually makes the delivery menu priced higher than the regular one."
Menu surge pricing has been a thing forever but it sucks to catch it happening to you.
Everything Is Always Normal Price
This sign at a furniture store says everything is "as Advertised" but the advertisement is fairly confusing.
If all the merchandise is always 30% off, is it ever really 30% off?
The Least EasyNap We've Ever Seen
Even though this napkin dispenser is called the "EasyNap" there is nothing easy about it.
People have to claw for their napkins and they end up coming out looking like shredded toilet paper.
A Sad Popsicle Indeed
This disappointing dessert is not as pictured on the box, it's a sad excuse for what it's supposed to be, which is covered in delicious toppings.
It's possible that it got melted or that a child ate the toppings and then put it back in the freezer.
Ah, The Salt Of The Earth, Good Until 2019
A man uploaded this picture of his Himalayan sea salt advertised on the package as being "formed by the primal sea more than 250 years ago."
The only problem is that the plastic container it comes in says it expires in 2019.
