All Articles in Misleading advertising
“First choice” claim challenged
Join the first choice for single travellers,” said a flyer and brochure for holiday company Solitair. Small print said the claim was “for trade mark purposes” and “did not imply to any sales or revenue.” What did it all mean? Fiona Schneider reports on the ensuing ASA case.
ASA aims for more impact in 2014 Annual Report
Did online advertising finally overtake TV in the complaint stakes? Was “leisure” the most complained about sector again? How many ASA decisions were successfully appealed? What are the ad super-regulator’s goals for 2015? Thomas Spanyol reports.
Which? lodges grocery market super complaint
After research into a range of supermarket pricing practices, the consumer body “Which?” has lodged a “super complaint” with the Competition and Markets Authority concerning “misleading and opaque” pricing practices in the grocery market. Claire Temple reports.
Could Amazon repel complaints over mosquito repelling apps?
The ASA received complaints about two apps listed on Amazon.co.uk claiming to be able to repel mosquitos by emitting ultrasonic sounds. Was Amazon able to pass the buck to the third party developers? Tom McGinn reports.
ASA probes DSG Retail/Currys “£159 save £90” claim
A TV ad for a Currys promotion included the voiceover “LG wireless sound bar, only £159, save £90.” The complainant, who bought the product for £179.99 the previous week. challenged the ad. Thomas Spanyol reports.
“Made in Sweden” is OK for a car made in Belgium
The ASA received three complaints about a Volvo radio ad with the end line “Made in Sweden, tuned in Britain.” The alleged problem was that the car in question was not made in Sweden. Vicki Hawkins reports.
FCA publishes social media guidance
Following consultation on a draft, the UK financial services watchdog has published the final version of its guidance on “Social media and Customer Communications.” Sadie Alo reports on the key takeaways for the financial promotions sector.
ASA upholds BT complaint over Talk Talk campaign
A press ad for Talk Talk’s “Simply Broadband” package made a “half price” offer of £1.75 a month. BT complained that the reduction was not genuine as £3.50 had not been charged for long enough. Fiona Schneider reports.
Amazon Prime free trial offer probed by ASA
A mailing to Amazon account holders offered a 30 DAY FREE TRIAL of its Prime service. Small text in a covering letter said “Paid subscription starts automatically after free trial unless cancelled”. Was this clear enough? George Garrard reports.
Internet Advertising Bureau produces native ad disclosure guidance
Transparency is often a concern in so-called “native advertising” where editorial content includes advertising messages.. To help, the IAB has published “Content and Native Disclosure Guidance” to help marketers comply with consumer laws and the CAP Code. George Garrard reports.
Appeal by PLT Anti-Marketing provides guidance on CPRs
PLT charged a monthly fee for a service including registration with the UK “do not call” list, but failed to tell customers that this was otherwise available free of charge. Was this an illegal “misleading omission”? Barney Sich reports.
