If a consumer wants to file a deceptive ad complaint, which entity should be contacted?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) accepts complaints related to false, misleading, or deceptive advertising practices and can investigate, mediate, or forward concerns to regulatory agencies.

The Maryland pre-licensing course advises licensees that maintaining truthful and transparent advertising is an ethical and legal requirement under both Maryland Real Estate Commission regulations and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules.

Consumers may also contact the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) for license law violations, but general deceptive ad complaints typically begin with the BBB.

Reference (Maryland Source):

– Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course, Ethical Advertising and Consumer Protection section.

– COMAR 09.11.02.01 – Ethical Standards of Advertising.

– Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. §45.