Beware The Bait And Switch Utah

The bait and switch is a classic sales trick where a specific product is offered at a certain price, but when the customer tries to purchase it, either the item or the price is altered. This tactic can happen in any industry, ranging from severe cases where the product or price is unrecognizable to minor ones where they’re at least somewhat close to expectations.

I’m not sure what pressures are causing the increased use of bait and switch tactics at Utah car dealerships lately, but it has become such a problem that Utah's Division of Consumer Protection recently sent a letter to every dealer in the Beehive State, informing them that they will be enforcing state laws and taking complaints seriously. If you want to have your voice heard, you can do so on their website:

According to Katie Hass, director of the division, the most common complaint—and the reason behind the letter—was the classic bait-and-switch tactic.

Here are a few other tactics to watch out for:

- Claiming Optional Features Are Required: This is an attempt to inflate the price by insisting optional features are mandatory.
- Misleading Descriptions: Dealers may try to pass off a car as a specific model, trim, or standard when it’s not, misleading buyers.
- Slippery Sticker: Certain pricing details are only revealed in the final cost, which ends up being far higher than expected.

Read More: YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS: Dumb Utah Man Gets Lamborghini Stolen!

So, if you’re in the market for a car, make sure to verify the facts before making your purchase, and double-check them as you proceed. If you’ve been treated dishonestly, don’t hesitate to make your voice heard.