When a business advertises a promotion but refuses to honor it, the conduct may violate Maryland consumer protection law – not just the business’s own policies. Depending on the facts and the applicable law, the advertisement and the refusal may raise consumer protection concerns.
What legal protections may apply?
Many states prohibit deceptive trade practices, but the exact rules depend on the jurisdiction. Under Maryland law, businesses are strictly prohibited from using false or misleading statements to advertise promotions they do not intend to honor. Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act specifically prohibits bait-and-switch advertising. A business that advertises a promotion it does not intend to honor may be violating the act, which provides remedies for affected consumers.
Fine print should not mislead consumers or contradict the main promotion. If a business refuses to honor a promotion misleadingly or deceptively, you may have a claim under applicable consumer protection laws.
How to document the issue
Take photos of the ad before leaving the store. Capture any signs, flyers or website screenshots showing the promotion. Save your receipt and note the date, time and location of the transaction.
Write down the names of workers you spoke with. Record what they told you about why the promotion did not apply. This evidence can strengthen a complaint or support a legal claim later.
Steps to resolve a promotional advertising dispute in Maryland
Contact the store manager first. Many promotion disputes resolve quickly when a supervisor reviews the situation. If the manager does not help, file a complaint with the appropriate state consumer protection agency, such as the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
You may also consider small claims court if the amount in dispute is within the court’s limits. Keep all records organized and dated, noting when each piece of evidence was collected. State agencies may investigate deceptive advertising complaints and, in some cases, seek penalties or other remedies.
What to do if the promotion is still not honored
If the store still will not honor the offer, keep your records and note each step you took to resolve the issue. Those documents can help support a complaint, small claims filing or other claim under the applicable consumer protection law.