Retailers often advertise “huge discounts” on products that are never actually sold at full price. This is misleading and can be considered deceptive advertising.

Example: A furniture store claims a couch is “50% off for a limited time,” but in reality, the discounted price has been the same for months or even years.

Some employers fail to compensate workers for required time on the job, violating wage laws.

Example: A retail or warehouse worker is forced to go through bag checks and security screenings before or after their shift but is not paid for that time. This is illegal in many states.

Companies sometimes release dangerous or malfunctioning products that put consumers at risk.

Examples:

- Noco Powerbank Jumpstarter – Reported failures where the product does not hold a charge or work as advertised, leaving users stranded.

- Stanley String Trimmer – A defect in the design leads to serious lacerations or injuries.

- Baby Bassinet Safety Issue – A bassinet tilts or collapses, causing infants to suffocate due to improper sleeping angles.

Many companies make it impossible to cancel subscriptions, violating consumer protection laws.

Example: A gym, streaming service, or even a meal planning service forces users to call a hidden phone number or mail a cancellation request, even though signing up was instant and online.

Some products claim to be “100% natural” or “chemical-free” when they actually contain synthetic or harmful ingredients.

Example: A shampoo brand or health care item markets itself as "all-natural", but the ingredients list includes sulfates, artificial fragrances, and preservatives.

Many companies add hidden fees that are either unjustified or illegal.

Examples:

- Mortgage Fees – Banks add undisclosed processing or convenience fees when applying for a loan.

- Online Bill Pay "Convenience Fees" – Some utility companies charge extra for paying your bill online, even though they encourage digital payments.

Some industries secretly work together to inflate prices, preventing fair competition.

Examples:

- Luxottica Price-Fixing – A single company owns multiple eyewear brands (Ray-Ban, Oakley, etc.) and controls pricing, making glasses much more expensive than they should be.

- PVC Piping Industry – All major PVC manufacturers increase prices at the same time without a valid reason, suggesting collusion.

Companies often sell your personal data to advertisers without your permission, which is a violation of privacy laws.

Example: You only gave your phone number to one company, but suddenly, you start getting spam calls and targeted ads for things you never searched for—a sign your data was sold.

Automakers sometimes release vehicles with dangerous defects and fail to properly recall them.

Examples:

- Chevrolet/GMC Power Steering Failures – Vehicles suddenly lose power steering while driving, making them unsafe to operate.

- Audi E-Car Battery Fires – Electric car batteries catch fire unexpectedly, leading to serious risk of injury.

If a company’s carelessness causes financial loss, injury, or harm to a large group of people, it could qualify for a lawsuit.

Examples:

- A pharmaceutical company fails to warn about dangerous side effects of a medication.

- A bank accidentally charges thousands of customers extra fees due to a system error but refuses to refund them.