The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has started a crackdown on misleading marketing tactics, targeting 20 different brands for their deceptive discount ads. These brands are being accused of using “bait and switch” advertising, a practice where they attract customers by promoting attractive discounts but then provide little to no actual savings on popular products.
The CCP’s Market Intelligence Unit conducted an investigation and found that there was a big difference between the discounts advertised and what was really offered to customers. Many shoppers were disappointed when they discovered that the deals they expected were either not available or only applied to less popular items.
As part of this crackdown, the CCP has sent warnings to these brands, instructing them to clearly disclose accurate information about prices and the availability of products. They emphasized that failing to do so could result in enforcement actions under Section 10 of the Competition Act 2010, which deals with deceptive marketing practices.
The CCP’s goal with this move is to protect consumers from being misled by false advertisements and to promote fair and honest business practices in the market.
By ensuring that brands are transparent about their discounts and offers, the commission hopes to build trust between consumers and businesses, leading to a healthier and more competitive marketplace.
