I’ve
spoken before about weasels and how they are there to protect an advertiser
from lawsuits. Some are written in mouse-sized type, but some are in large
type. Here’s an example.
This
ad is about a non-prescription drug or supplement (which
is a red flag to be aware). It means the food and drug guys haven’t
given an opinion on its ingredients or safety. Take at your
own risk. To begin, it isn’t "FREE!"
(You just pay shipping and handling. See how
much that is. You just bought the stuff.)
I
have always said to read all the small print at the bottom of the ad. It’s put
there by the lawyers. Stop the picture and read it. Here’s a typical example: This product is not intended to
diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
It’s
a real warning. The weasel here is the word “disease”. Prostate problems
haven’t been classified as a disease. This problem is real, but not a
“disease”. So they are free to sell this product for treating the “problem”.
Other weasels are in the claims:
“less
urges to urinate” (less than what?), “More
sleep” (more than what?),“easier bladder
emptying” (easier than what?), or just hinting
at a sexual remedy. “healthier romantic life”. You get the technique.
Their proof of effectiveness is how many
they “shipped across the world.”(not sold to customers.
Shipped. Probably a carload from China) and their “guarantee”, which they don’t even mention in the
ad. (probably to send it back if it doesn’t work for
your money back. They will, to prevent a charge of false advertising, knowing
very few will actually do that.)
This
is the case in a lot of the medically related products sold, but occurs in many
other situations. You must be aware of these tricks of the trade to be a wise
consumer.
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