Information and Alerts

Alert

BBB has received information this business may be engaged in bait and switch advertising. On July 10, 2017, BBB requested Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America to substantiate, modify and discontinue this advertising method.

 According to BBB Code of Advertising 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.3.1, 19.3.2, 19.3.3, 19.3.4 and 19.4:

• A “bait” offer is an alluring but insincere offer to sell a product or service which the advertiser does not intend to sell. Its purpose is to switch consumers from buying the advertised product or service, in order to sell something else, usually at a higher price or terms more advantageous to the advertiser.

• No advertisement should be published unless it is a bona fide offer to sell the advertised product or service.   

• An advertiser must not create a false impression about the product or service being offered in order to lay the foundation for a later “switch” to other, more expensive products or services, or products or services of a lesser quality at the same price. Subsequent full disclosure by the advertiser of all other facts about the advertised product does not preclude the existence of a bait scheme.

• An advertiser must not use nor permit the use of the following bait scheme practices:

• Refusing to show or demonstrate the advertised product or service;

• Disparaging, for example, the advertised product or service, its warranty, availability, services and parts and credit terms;

• Selling the advertised product or service and thereafter “unselling” the customer to make a switch to another product or service;

• Refusing to take orders for the advertised product or service or to deliver it within a reasonable time;

• An advertiser must have on hand a sufficient quantity of advertised products to meet reasonably anticipated demands, unless the advertisement clearly and conspicuously discloses the number of items available or states “while supplies last.” If items are available only at certain locations, sites or stores, the specific locations, sites or stores must be disclosed. The use of “rain checks” is not a justification for inadequate estimates of reasonably anticipated demand.

BBB contacted Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America regarding advertising concerns. The business did not respond.