AN ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER AWARENESS ON MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENT

AUTHOR – REVATHI .R, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, TNDALU, CHENNAI

BEST CITATION – REVATHI .R, AN ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER AWARENESS ON MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENT, ILE MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, 4 (1) OF 2025, PG. 757-779, APIS – 3920-0007 | ISSN – 2583-7230.

ABSTRACT

This research explores the extent of consumer awareness regarding misleading advertisements, focusing on both online and offline consumer groups. Misleading advertisements, which distort facts or present exaggerated claims, have become increasingly common in the digital marketing era. This study aims to identify the level of understanding consumers possess about such deceptive marketing practices, their experiences, and their responses when confronted with misleading content. Utilizing a non-doctrinal methodology, a structured survey was conducted among online and offline consumers. The questions focused on three core categories: knowledge, involvement, and assessment of advertisement awareness. The findings revealed a significant gap in awareness levels between online and offline consumers, with online consumers generally more informed due to higher digital literacy. Despite this, a large proportion of consumers across both groups remain unaware of existing legal protections, such as those under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The study emphasizes the need for greater public education, stronger enforcement of advertising regulations, and corporate accountability to protect consumer interests and foster ethical marketing practices.

KEYWORDS: Misleading Advertisements, Consumer Awareness, Online Consumers, Offline Consumers,Consumer Rights