Q.Explain the various forms of consumer exploitation prevalent in the market.

Consumer exploitation shows up in several recognisable, recurring forms in real markets, each exploiting a different gap in the buyer's information or bargaining position.

Consumer exploitation occurs whenever a seller, manufacturer, or service provider takes unfair advantage of a consumer's lack of information, organisation, or bargaining strength. Several recurring forms of such exploitation are commonly seen in real markets.

Adulteration involves mixing an inferior, cheaper, or harmful substance into a genuine product — commonly food items, fuel, or medicines — without disclosure, so as to cut cost or increase quantity while still charging the price of the pure product. Underweight or short measure involves supplying less quantity or weight than what is stated on the label or charged for, often through tampered weighing scales or deliberately short packaging. False or misleading advertising involves making exaggerated, false, or deceptive claims about a product's quality, effectiveness, origin, or price benefit, inducing a purchase the consumer would not otherwise make. …

Students frequently list the forms without any explanation of what each involves, or merge distinct forms together (for example, treating overcharging and black-marketing as the same …