mainosväärinkäytös

Mainosväärinkäytös refers to unethical or illegal practices in advertising. These practices aim to mislead or deceive consumers, often by exploiting their vulnerabilities or ignorance. In Finland, the primary authority responsible for overseeing advertising and combating misleading practices is the Consumer Ombudsman.

Common forms of mainosväärinkäytös include deceptive pricing, false claims about product quality or benefits, hidden costs, and aggressive sales tactics. Another frequent issue is comparative advertising that unfairly disparages competitors or uses misleading comparisons. The law prohibits advertising that is likely to mislead consumers regarding essential characteristics of a product or service, such as its price, availability, or origin.

The Consumer Ombudsman investigates complaints about potentially misleading advertising and can issue warnings or recommendations to advertisers. In more serious cases, the matter can be escalated to the Market Court for legal action. Penalties for proven mainosväärinkäytös can include fines or prohibitions on further advertising.

Consumers have the right to accurate and truthful information when making purchasing decisions. When faced with suspected mainosväärinkäytös, consumers are encouraged to contact the Consumer Ombudsman or seek advice from consumer advisory services. The goal is to ensure fair competition and protect consumers from exploitation in the marketplace.