bait-and-switch
Lure then substitute
Bait-and-switch is a deceptive sales tactic where an attractive offer lures customers in, only for the seller to push a different, usually more expensive or inferior product.
The "bait" is the advertised deal; the "switch" happens when that deal mysteriously becomes unavailable.
Beyond retail, the term describes any situation where someone promises one thing and delivers another: The job listing was a total bait-and-switch—they advertised remote work but expected us in the office five days a week.
Deliberate deception
- switcherooSlangy sudden reversal
- conArgument against
- hustleEnergetic, aggressive action
- gotchaExclamation upon catching someone
setup · ploy · ruse · scheme · manipulation · misdirection · sleight · hook
Dishonest money-making scheme
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- advertisingPaid promotional communication
- retailerOne who sells goods
- discountReduced price offered
promotion · deal · lure · upsell · consumer · fine print · misleading · storefront
Barbeled freshwater bottom-feeder
- profileSide-facing outline
- photoCaptured still image
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
- appMobile device software
swipe · expectation · reality · ghosting · deception · match · disappointment · filters
Organized effort toward goal
- promiseCommitment to act
- platformRaised flat structure
- electionOrganized public voting
- legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
reversal · rhetoric · voters · betrayal · mandate · pledge · flip-flop · accountability
Advertised vacancy description
- salaryFixed periodic employment payment
- benefitsGains or helpful effects
- interviewFormal questioning session
- offerProposal to provide
responsibilities · title · recruiter · negotiation · contract · description · duties · expectations
trick
Deliberate deception
- switcherooSlangy sudden reversal
- conArgument against
- hustleEnergetic, aggressive action
gotcha · setup · ploy · ruse · scheme · manipulation · misdirection · sleight · hook · sucker
scam
Dishonest money-making scheme
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- advertisingPaid promotional communication
- retailerOne who sells goods
discount · promotion · deal · lure · upsell · consumer · fine print · misleading · storefront · inventory
catfish
Barbeled freshwater bottom-feeder
- profileSide-facing outline
- photoCaptured still image
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
app · swipe · expectation · reality · ghosting · deception · match · disappointment · filters · angles
campaign
Organized effort toward goal
legislation · reversal · rhetoric · voters · betrayal · mandate · pledge · flip-flop · accountability · spin
job posting
Advertised vacancy description
- salaryFixed periodic employment payment
- benefitsGains or helpful effects
- interviewFormal questioning session
offer · responsibilities · title · recruiter · negotiation · contract · description · duties · expectations · orientation
- gimmicksgimmick, trick, ploy, stunt, gag
- scamsscam, scams, fraud, frauds, swindle
- deceptionlie, lies, lying, fake, fraud
- tricksmagic trick, card trick, card tricks, coin trick, rope trick
- feintsfeint, fake, juke, deke, head fake
- crypto scamsrug pull, exit scam, pump and dump, honeypot, NFT scam
bait-and-switchtruth in advertising
Requirement for honest promotion
fair dealing · good faith · transparent pricing · above-board · upfront pricing
bait-and-switchas advertised
Matching promotional claims
following through · making good · true to one's word · reliability · customer satisfaction
switch, bait, switched, baited, switching, abated, switches, baits, baiting