Which of the following is an example of a deceptive marketing practice listed in the regulations?

• A. Pyramid selling schemes
• B. Customer satisfaction surveys
• C. Public service announcements
• D. Free samples with no conditions

Answer: (A)

Deceptive marketing practices are actions that mislead consumers about what they’re buying or about how much they can earn. The regulations specifically call out pyramid selling schemes as deceptive because profits come mainly from recruiting others rather than from selling a real product or service. This setup creates an unsustainable model that collapses when new recruits dry up, leaving later participants with losses.

The other options don’t fit as inherently deceptive marketing practices in the regulations. Customer satisfaction surveys are standard research tools; public service announcements are informational; and free samples with no conditions are a common promotional tactic that isn’t inherently deceptive unless there are hidden terms or misrepresentations. Therefore, pyramid selling schemes are the best example of a deceptive marketing practice listed in the regulations.