Bait and switch issues: What you need to know

(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - It's called the bait and switch, and while it's illegal, it's a tactic still employed by any number of companies to draw customers in, and then separate them from their cash.

Barbara Anthony, Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, says there are some things to watch out for, whether you're shopping for a car, new TV, or even gas.

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation recently completed an investigation of two gas stations found to be improperly advertising prices on street signs. The price on the sign was lower than the price at the pump. The gas stations did not follow proper sign rules, and may not have meant to mislead consumers, but that situation was an example of bait and switch.

One area where the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation sees bait and switch frequently is at car dealerships. In those situations, consumers look through a dealer's inventory online and find a great car at a great price. By the time the consumer gets to the dealership, that particular car is gone, but one very similar to it is available at a higher price.

Watch the interview with Barbara Anthony for more.

RELATED LINK:

mass.gov/consumer

Consumer Affairs Hotline:

888-283-3757