Unmasking Bait and Switch: Your California Consumer Protection Guide Few things are as frustrating as walking into a store, excited about a fantastic deal you saw advertised, only to be told it's "just sold out," or "not what you think it is," and then pressured to buy a much more expensive item. This classic tactic is known as "bait and switch," and while it's a common trick used by unscrupulous businesses, it's also illegal in California and falls squarely under the umbrella of consumer protection laws. As a California consumer, understanding what bait and switch is, how to spot it, and what legal recourse you have is crucial. This article will equip you with the knowledge and actionable steps to protect your rights and fight back against deceptive advertising practices. What Exactly is Bait and Switch? At its core, bait and switch is a deceptive sales tactic where a seller advertises a product or service at a very a...