So adverts can lie now?

Nerusy

Nerusy

Nerusy

Soldato
Joined
12 Jul 2010
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Just seen an ad which claims to be able to predict future, clearly aimed at non-adults with stuff like "want to know if you will pass an exam" etc

Now I always thought there's a law that prohibits adverts from false advertising and this ad is clearly false in it's claim to be able to tell you future.

Considering children now get phones from very young age, there's a high portion of them that will naively use that "service" which I am sure will cost a ton.

How on earth was it allowed to be aired?!
 
The small print will contain a standard piece of text which goes for all stuff like this, it essentially says "not to be taken seriously."
 
Flare said:
The small print will contain a standard piece of text which goes for all stuff like this, it essentially says "not to be taken seriously."
Click to expand...

That's what normally happens in which case it's fine, but I don' think there was this little print in that add. Will look more closely next time I see it
 
It's the difference from an implied contractual term and a 'mere puff', the latter being something that no reasonable person can be expected to believe.

A good example of a mere puff is 'Daz makes whites whiter than white!!!' - it's just marketing nonsense with no legal implications.
 
I've not seen one of those ads for a while, but I'm guessing the small print says something like "For entertainment purposes only" - that's normally how they get away with it.

Cosmetics have been doing it for years - from lash extension mascara ("model is wearing false eyelashes and is enhanced in post-production") to hair products that give natural beauty and volume ("Cheryl is wearing hair extensions").

And what the hell is "Bifidus Digestivum"?
 
shorttricky said:
I've not seen one of those ads for a while, but I'm guessing the small print says something like "For entertainment purposes only" - that's normally how they get away with it.
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It doesn't need to say anything as it's a 'mere puff', it's a statement with no legal intention.
 
if its the same mob of scammers i'm thinking of they do say in the ad that they may use artistic licence when texting you
 
Adverts have never been honest.

  • McDondalds "100% British beef" burgers contain cheese, pickle and bread. All McDonalds adverts should have "some self assembly required" written on them anyway.
  • "Whiter than white" Just doesn't make any sense.
  • "Hi I'm Barry Scott". No your not you are Neil Burgess.
  • Toys R Us is not a "magical place", magic does not exist.
 
Woden said:
Adverts have never been honest.

  • McDondalds "100% British beef" burgers contain cheese, pickle and bread. All McDonalds adverts should have "some self assembly required" written on them anyway.
  • "Whiter than white" Just doesn't make any sense.
  • "Hi I'm Barry Scott". No your not you are Neil Burgess.
  • Toys R Us is not a "magical place", magic does not exist.
Click to expand...
What was the response from the ASA when you reported all these?
 
What annoys me the most about adverts is the reduced prices they can claim by bumping up the price the following month.

Save £400 on this laptop, was £999 now £599 (was £999 from 01/08/2012 to 01/09/2012) and was no doubt £599 before then.

Another, with the insurance adverts "You can save up to £250", small print around like 2% of people can save £250. For such a claim it should be 51% or higher to make it even possible as it is so unlikely otherwise its complete rubbish.
 
This has been going on for ages - I always wonder who falls for these sort of things...

Like the love match text services - They advertise it like "Are you not sure if he is the one for you? Text this number with your love interests name, and we'll give you a percentage of how good he is for you!".

Seriously... Who keeps companies like that in business?!
 
Considering most adverts are made for the 5-95th percentile of folks, I would not really bother giving a damn.

I have only ever used them for confirming something (like media trailers), alerting me of deals perhaps and the odd special rare program or movie that might actually interest me.

Mind you i do sometimes rate an advert for being good or not, real shame though that its rather rare...
 
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