Consumerism Vocabulary
What does the Better Business Bureau (BBB) do for consumers?
It offers a variety of consumer services at no charge to help with consumer complaints.
What is it called when someone uses your personal information--such as your name, Social Security number, or credit card number--without your permission?
Identity Theft
This type of ad appeals to logic through facts and statistics.
Statistics
This approach persuades people to do something by telling them that others are doing it too. "Don't be left out".
Bandwagon
You receive a letter from an unknown company with a message that you've won a cash prize. To claim your prize, you'll need to send them your bank account information so they can deposit the money into your account. The company then uses your bank account information to take money from you.
Mail fraud scam
What does the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do?
Set and enforce safety standards for food, drugs, and cosmetics. They may also require safety warnings to be placed on harmful or hazardous.
An attempt to get you to send money by pretending to be someone you know or trust, like a sheriff; local state, or federal government employee; a family member; or charity organization.
Imposter Scam
Humorous ads make people laugh so they have a positive association with the product.
Humor
This ad features famous people describing their personal experience with a product or explaining why you should use a product.
Testimonial
You get a call from someone claiming to be with the sheriff's office. They say they need your personal information to update their neighborhood records. You quickly recognize they're not actually who they claim to be.
Imposter Scam
What is the purpose of a warranty?
Takes responsibility for the quality, characteristics and performance of a product or service.
When a new friend says they like or love you but they really just want your money--and may not be who they say they are.
Romance Scam (Catfishing)
Ads like this use specific sounds or pictures to create a lasting impression.
Sense appeal
An ad like this uses the names or pictures of famous people, but not their direct quotations, to convince you that the product will help you imitate the famous person in the ad.
Transfer/Fantasy
Your grandmother has a neighbor who has gained her trust but has been secretly taking money from her bank account.
Elder financial exploitation
What is the purpose of comparison shopping?
To look at different brands and models of the same item in various stores to compare price, quality, features, and store services before buying.
When someone tries to get you to give them personal information, such as through an email or text message, often by impersonating a business or government agency. This can be thought of as "fishing for confidential information".
Phishing
This kind of ad creates a sentimental tone while pointing back to "the good old days".
Nostalgia
This technique repeats the product name at least four times during the ad/commercial.
Repetition
You have a friend you met through a social media app. You have not met in person, but you know it is true love. You have so much in common, and they look great in their pics. They ask you to do them a favor and send them $250 for a new outfit they can't wait for you to see them in.
Romance Scam
What is an implied warranty of fitness?
The product is fit for any performance or purpose promised by the seller and that there are no defects in the product at the point of sale.
When a caller disguises the information shown on your caller ID to appear as though they are calling as a certain person or from a specific location.
Spoofing
On average, how many ads do Americans see each day? (___________ to ____________)
4,000-10,000
Ads like this are written to evoke strong feelings about someone or something.
Emotion
Your caller ID shows that a local number associated with the high school in your town is calling you. You answer and the person calling says they're raising money for a local sports tournament. You soon realize the caller is not actually with the school.
Spoofing