It does not happen much in America, but in less regulated countries many customers fall victim to the bait-and-switch tactic, buying something shoddy that was advertised as being superior.

You run the risk of bait-and-switch scams when buying things online, as the seller can post any kind of picture yet sell you something far worse than what was shown.

Few people are able to use the bait-and-switch tactic in first world countries, since markets in those countries are carefully regulated and maintained to ensure that sellers offer what is advertised.

It is illegal to bait-and-switch on customers in most countries, as you must sell exactly what you have advertised.

If you purchased an advertised Ferrari but received a run-down old car from the nineties instead, you’ve fallen prey to a bait-and-switch.