You know those emails that land in your inbox promising the world?

“Lifetime free ribeyes.”

“Claim your free makeup kit today!”

“Congratulations! Your $250 grocery card is waiting.”

"50% off everything only this weekend!"

At first glance, it looks like you just scored a can't miss deal. But then comes the fine print: you’ve got to spend hundreds of dollars, subscribe to something you didn’t want, or jump through hoops that make the “freebie” anything but free. Or maybe that limited time "50% sale" offer is actually the only price you'll ever see for it!

You may be thinking: “No big deal—why would we go after companies for this? It’s just some spam mail.”

But remember when your inbox wasn’t flooded with junk? When email was actually a kind of sacred communication space reserved for your real friends, work colleagues, and family? We’ve gotten so used to spam that we shrug off tactics that are not only annoying, but in many cases, illegal.

And regulators across the country are starting to crack down: For example, Washington State recently affirmed the validity of strong penalties for scams, California enforces some of the toughest false-advertising and privacy laws in the country, and Massachusetts, New York, Washington D.C., and Vermont give consumers broad rights to fight “unfair or deceptive” practices.

The more we accept these tricks, the further companies push the line.

What Counts as a Misleading Email?

Misleading emails often dress up like legitimate offers but hide the catch. Here are the most common tricks:

• Freebies with strings attached → “Free kit!” (if you buy three more at full price).

• Too-good-to-be-true promises → “Lifetime supply!” (with a subscription buried in the terms).

• Fake sales → "50% off only this weekend" (then another 50% off "sale" starts on Monday)

• Fine print gymnastics → The important detail is buried so far down you’d need a microscope.

These tactics aren’t just shady marketing—they’re designed to pressure or mislead consumers into purchases they wouldn’t have made otherwise, often by manufacturing urgency or hiding the real cost.

Why Companies Do It

The short answer: because it works.

Putting “FREE” or “LIMITED TIME” in a subject line makes people more likely to open the email. A percentage of those readers will also click through, and some will buy before realizing the “deal” wasn’t much of a deal at all.

These misleading marketing tactics work on urgency and impulse. By the time the fine print or weaseally truth surfaces—hidden fees, subscriptions, or conditions—you’ve already taken action. Companies bank on the fact that most consumers won’t go through the hassle of canceling, disputing, or demanding a refund.

In other words, it’s a calculated business strategy designed to convert your impulsive attention.

What You Can Do About It

The good news: you’re not powerless. Consumer protection laws exist to stop deceptive advertising practices, and regulators in many states are stepping up enforcement.

👉 If you clicked on one of these emails and felt misled—or just straight-up scammed—you may have a valid claim.

At Chariot, we work with law firms to hold corporations accountable for misleading marketing tactics. Submitting a claim is quick, and you might already have the “evidence” you need—like a screenshot of the deceptive email or online ad or your receipt of a purchase your made based on false or shady promises.

Learn more about us and why we built Chariot:

• Why We Built Chariot

• So You Just Filed a Claim with Chariot… What Happens Next?

Bottom Line

Misleading emails aren’t just harmless spam—they’re a real consumer rights issue. What looks like a funny or annoying “junk offer” can actually cross the line into deceptive advertising, with legal consequences for companies and financial consequences for consumers.

If you’ve ever opened one of these emails and thought, “This doesn’t feel right,” you’re not alone. And you don’t have to shrug it off.

👉 Check if you qualify for a claim today at app.chariotclaims.com.