Every day, we see advertisements claiming “100% natural,” “doctor recommended,” “fastest weight loss,” or “guaranteed results”. But how many of these claims are actually true? Many companies use misleading advertisements to trick consumers into buying their products.
Did you know that misleading ads are illegal in India? 
Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you have the right to take legal action, demand refunds, and claim compensation if you are misled by false advertisements.
In this blog, we will explain what misleading advertisements are, how they affect consumers, and what legal actions you can take against them. 
What Are Misleading Advertisements? 
A misleading advertisement is any ad that gives false, exaggerated, or deceptive information to misguide consumers.
False Claims – Ads that promise results that are scientifically impossible.
Hidden Terms & Conditions – Important details are written in small print or not mentioned clearly.
Fake Endorsements – Celebrities or doctors promoting a product they never use.
Comparative Advertising – Claiming that a product is better than competitors without proof.
Unrealistic Discounts – Fake MRP (Maximum Retail Price) to show big discounts.
Example:
A fairness cream claims “100% fairness in 7 days”, but in reality, no cosmetic product can change skin color. This is false advertising.
Consumers have the right to challenge such false claims!
Common Types of Misleading Advertisements 
1. False Health & Beauty Claims 
“Lose 10 kg in 10 days without exercise!”
“Cure diabetes permanently with this ayurvedic product!”
“Hair oil that regrows lost hair in a week!”
Example:
A supplement company claimed to cure cancer without medical proof. The court fined them ₹10 lakh for false advertising.
What to Do? Never trust medical or health claims without scientific proof.
2. Fake Celebrity & Doctor Endorsements 
Brands use actors or fake doctors in ads to convince people that their product is effective.
In some cases, celebrities promote products without knowing the truth.
Example:
A famous actor promoted a tobacco-based mouth freshener as “safe and refreshing.” Later, the government banned the ad and fined the company ₹5 crore.
What to Do? Always check for scientific backing rather than celebrity endorsements.
3. Unrealistic Discounts & Fake Offers 
E-commerce websites increase the price of a product before a sale and then show a big discount.
Many stores use “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” offers but increase the price of the product.
Example:
A customer bought a mobile phone with a “50% off” tag, but later found out that the original price was increased before the discount.
What to Do? Always check the actual market price before purchasing during sales.
4. Misleading Food & Nutrition Labels 
“100% natural” food products that contain artificial preservatives.
“Sugar-free” drinks that contain artificial sweeteners.
“Boosts immunity” claims without medical evidence.
Example:
A famous fruit juice brand claimed “100% fresh fruit juice,” but tests showed it contained artificial flavors and preservatives. The company was fined ₹20 lakh.
What to Do? Read food labels carefully before buying.
Laws Against Misleading Advertisements in India 
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) regulate false advertising.
Companies can be fined up to ₹50 lakh for false claims.
Celebrities endorsing misleading ads can be fined or banned.
Consumers can file complaints and demand refunds for fake claims.
Example:
A baby product company claimed their soap was “100% chemical-free,” but lab tests found harmful chemicals. The company was ordered to compensate affected customers.
Consumers have the right to demand action against fake ads!
How to Take Action Against Misleading Advertisements?
1. File a Complaint with ASCI (Advertising Standards Council of India) 
ASCI monitors advertisements and removes misleading ads.
File a complaint online at: www.ascionline.org
ASCI takes action within 2-3 weeks.
Example:
A weight loss product claimed “Lose 5 kg in a week without dieting”. ASCI banned the ad and fined the company ₹5 lakh.
2. Report to the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) 
Call 1800-11-4000 to report false advertising.
File an online complaint at consumerhelpline.gov.in.
Example:
An online shopping website advertised “pure leather shoes,” but delivered plastic ones. The customer filed a complaint and got a full refund.
3. File a Case in Consumer Court
If a misleading ad causes financial loss, you can file a case in Consumer Court.
File a complaint at www.edaakhil.nic.in.
Example:
A family bought an expensive water purifier that promised “99% bacteria removal,” but the water was unsafe. The court ordered the company to refund ₹30,000 and pay ₹1 lakh compensation.
4. Complain to the Food Safety & Drug Authority (For Health-Related Ads)
If a food or medical product makes false claims, report it to FSSAI (Food Safety & Standards Authority of India).
File a complaint at foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in/cmsweb.
Example:
A protein supplement claimed “100% herbal ingredients,” but lab tests found steroids. FSSAI banned the product and fined the company ₹10 lakh.
How to Protect Yourself from Misleading Ads? 
Follow these simple tips:
Don’t believe everything you see in ads – Always verify claims.
Read the terms & conditions – Especially for discounts and offers.
Check online reviews before buying.
Compare prices on multiple platforms before purchase.
Report misleading ads to ASCI, Consumer Helpline, and Consumer Court.
Example:
A consumer compared a mobile’s price on different websites and found that the discounted price on one website was actually higher than on others.
Be a smart consumer and don’t fall for false advertising tricks!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Fooled, Take Action! 
Misleading advertisements are designed to trick you into buying something that doesn’t work as promised. But you have the power to fight back!
Key Takeaways:
If an ad makes false claims, report it to ASCI (www.ascionline.org).
Call the National Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000) to file a complaint.
File a case in Consumer Court if you suffer financial loss.
Stay informed and verify all product claims before buying.
Legal awareness is important! Share this blog to help others protect themselves from false advertising in India 
!
Have you ever been misled by an ad? Share your experience in the comments!
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