Srinagar: The Shahr-e-Khaas Traders and Chambers have formally lodged a complaint with the Jammu and Kashmir Police against ‘deceptive advertising and misleading sales’ practices employed by certain YouTubers. The complaint, addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar, highlights concerns over ‘false product claims, exaggerated benefits, and unethical marketing tactics.’
According to the traders, several YouTubers are misleading consumers by promoting products using false claims and fabricated testimonials. The complaint outlines several key concerns, including:
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Claims & Exaggerated Benefits: Some YouTubers claim that products are 100% original when they are actually sold at heavily discounted prices, with misleading MRP comparisons.
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Product Demonstrations: Staged or selectively edited product demonstrations are being used to enhance perceived effectiveness artificially.
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Undisclosed Paid Promotions & Affiliate Links: Many influencers fail to disclose financial incentives behind their recommendations, misleading consumers.
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Artificial Scarcity & Urgency Tactics: False claims of limited stock or time-sensitive deals are being used to pressure customers into quick purchases.
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Lack of Proper Disclaimers: Consumers are not adequately informed that results may vary or that the content represents personal opinions rather than expert endorsements.
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Promotion of Potentially Harmful Products: Certain YouTubers are promoting unverified or unsafe products that may pose health risks.
The traders argue that these practices violate consumer protection laws and ethical advertising standards, creating an unfair marketplace.
The Shahr-e-Khaas Traders and Chambers have urged authorities to take strict action, including:
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Issuing clear guidelines for disclosing paid promotions and affiliate links.
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Enforcing existing advertising standards and holding YouTubers accountable for misleading claims.
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Establishing a consumer complaint mechanism to report false advertising and deceptive sales tactics.
