E-commerce is booming. In the United States alone, online shopping is a $1.2 trillion industry. When buying from a website, consumers should be able to trust what they see. Unfortunately, false advertising is everywhere—misleading prices, exaggerated claims, and hidden terms. These deceptive tactics cost consumers money and violate the law.
At Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky P.C., we fight to hold companies accountable for false advertising. Here’s what you need to know about reporting deceptive websites and protecting your rights.
Truth in Advertising Laws: Websites Are Not Exempt
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces truth-in-advertising laws. These rules apply to all businesses, including websites. A company cannot:
- Use misleading pricing (fake discounts, hidden fees).
- Make false product claims (exaggerated benefits, fake testimonials).
- Bury important terms (cancellation policies, extra charges).
If a website deceives consumers, it violates federal law. Depending on the product or service, other agencies—such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—may also regulate false claims.
How to Report a Website for False Advertising
Step #1: Gather Evidence
Documentation is critical. To file a complaint or take legal action, you need proof of the false advertising. Collect:
- Screenshots of misleading claims, pricing, or deceptive terms.
- Product descriptions that do not match the actual product.
- Emails, chats, or receipts showing how you were misled.
- Archived pages (if the company changed its website after complaints).
The more evidence, the stronger the case. Companies often update websites to cover their tracks—act fast.
Step #2: Report the Website to Regulators
Once you have evidence, file a complaint with the right agency. Your options include:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Handles deceptive business practices. Submit a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- State Attorney General – Each state has a consumer protection division. In Pennsylvania, report violations to the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
- Industry-Specific Regulators – If the false advertising involves health products, food, or drugs, report it to the FDA. If it’s about financial services, report it to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Regulators investigate cases, impose fines, and may take legal action to stop fraudulent practices.
Step #3: Speak With a False Advertising Attorney
Regulators can take action—but consumers don’t have to wait. You have the right to sue a company for false advertising. Depending on the case, you may be entitled to:
- A refund for misleading purchases.
- Additional compensation for financial harm.
- Injunctive relief to stop the false advertising.
A lawyer can determine the best legal strategy—whether filing an individual lawsuit or joining a class action.
Why Many False Advertising Cases Become Class Actions
False advertising rarely affects just one person. If a website deceives one customer, it has likely deceived thousands. That’s why many of these cases turn into class action lawsuits.
A class action allows consumers to:
- Hold large corporations accountable for deceptive practices.
- Share legal costs instead of each person filing separately.
- Maximize compensation for all affected consumers.
Companies profit from false advertising because they assume customers won’t fight back. Class actions change that.
Contact Our False Advertising Attorneys Today
At Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky P.C., we take on companies that mislead consumers. If a website used false advertising to take your money, you may have a legal case. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. From our office in Philadelphia, we handle class action false advertising lawsuits nationwide.