Research Paper on "Deception Marketing Practices"

Research Paper 3 pages (1119 words) Sources: 4

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Deceptive Marketing Practices: Discover Bank

"Misleading representations and deceptive marketing practices can have serious economic consequences, especially when directed toward large audiences or when the take place over a long period of time;" and that was exactly the case that occurred with Discover Bank (Competition Bureau Canada 1). Deceptive marketing practices involve the use of misleading or deceptive marketing and advertising materials in order to trick consumers in purchasing a product or service they would have otherwise avoided buying. It is an unfortunate problem that occurs much more often than the average consumer would like to see. As such, these deceptive marketing practices can disadvantage the consumer, causing them to loose faith in the market, as well as tarnishing the reputation of those parties who are known to utilize such practices within their marketing and sales techniques.

Background of Problem

Today's market environment for financial products and services is already vulnerable. After the recession and the disappointing bail out for many American banking institutions, many consumers have lost their confidence in banking systems in general. Yet, Discover Bank was always an institution that tended to have a strong reputation for giving back to the consumer. Its credit card services are known for their increased rewards, and many Discover members believed they were involved with a different type of bank -- one that actually cared about their customers. However, recent events have changed that image dramatically. In September of 2012, the bank was targeted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Consumer Fina
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ncial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in regards to a year long investigation that uncovered the use of deceptive marketing practices to trick baking customers to purchase unnecessary credit products (). The research explains that Discover Bank was involved in "telemarketing and sales tactics that they said 'mislead' consumers into paying credit card 'add-on' products" and that "Discover implied that the products were free" (Kim 1). Between 2007 and 2011, Discover Bank utilized these deceptive marketing techniques to trick their consumers in agreeing to products that they would then receive charges for unknowingly. Many paid fees for months, not even knowing that they were being charged after agreeing to a supposed free service. According to the research, "telemarketers selling payment protection, credit score tracking, and other credit card extras misled consumers about charges, withheld important information or spoke quickly when they disclosed prices and terms of the add-on products" (Stephenson 1). As a result of the investigation, Discover will now have to pay over $200 million in fee refunds to customers who were deceived along with $14 million in penalty fines (Stephenson 1).

Philosophical Critique

Deception is most often frowned upon within the wide myriad of philosophies that help guide both individual and organizational behavior. One example are the theories within the concept of moral philosophy, the idea of moral judgment is innately linked without ability to use our intuition to make decisions. From a consequentialist perspective, an act is morally right when it "produces at least as good a ratio of good to bad consequences (e.g., in terms of welfare or utility) as any other course of action" (Smith, Kimmel, & Allan 19). This can also be seen as a utilitarian philosophy, and under such a philosophy Discover's actions are morally wrong because they were intended to produce more negative consequences than good. The products they were… READ MORE

Quoted Instructions for "Deception Marketing Practices" Assignment:

There are several requirements: (1) you must use at least four reputable sources (and not use our textbook as any of the sources. Also, please do not use Wikipedia, as it is not always reviewed for it accuracy.)

(2) you must include at least three philosophers or philosophies (i.e. how would Socrates react to this situation or your recommendation?

) (3) your solution/recommendation must be supported by a reputable source (i.e. an expert in the field; an article which cites another organization who successfully used your recommendation and found it to be successful).

Suggested Format:

1. Background of Problem or Opportunity- What is the background of the organization or area you are researching? What is the reason you have selected it? Any information describing the organization or topic in detail or what has led you to research this topic should be includedin this section, as well.

2. Philosophical Critique (Include the philosophies whether as a separate section or integrated throughout the paper).

3. Recommendation- What is your solution to this problem or opportunity? Explain in detail how you will resolve the issue or what your recommendation is to improve it (such as creating a code of ethics for an organization which does not have one).

4. Organization/Expert Reaction- How do you know it may be successful? It could be based upon surveys, articles or other reputable secondary sources, or by interviewing someone whose substantive background could support (or not support your recommendation). Please keep in mind, whether your recommendation/resolution is supported or not supported will not affect your grade. Think of your solution as a hypothesis. Also, do not use a *****"friend*****" who works for the company that *****"thinks it may be a good idea,*****" unless this person has substantial experience in the field/industry/business.

5. Conclusion-Since the background of the problem or opportunity will be part of the introductory section, to finalize this research, have a conclusion. In this section, you can summarize your findings, describe your philosophical justification, the organization reaction and how your organization (or the industry) will benefit from your solution (if applicable).

*****

How to Reference "Deception Marketing Practices" Research Paper in a Bibliography

Deception Marketing Practices.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2012, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/deceptive-marketing-practices-discover/1405362. Accessed 5 Oct 2024.

Deception Marketing Practices (2012). Retrieved from https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/deceptive-marketing-practices-discover/1405362
A1-TermPaper.com. (2012). Deception Marketing Practices. [online] Available at: https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/deceptive-marketing-practices-discover/1405362 [Accessed 5 Oct, 2024].
”Deception Marketing Practices” 2012. A1-TermPaper.com. https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/deceptive-marketing-practices-discover/1405362.
”Deception Marketing Practices” A1-TermPaper.com, Last modified 2024. https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/deceptive-marketing-practices-discover/1405362.
[1] ”Deception Marketing Practices”, A1-TermPaper.com, 2012. [Online]. Available: https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/deceptive-marketing-practices-discover/1405362. [Accessed: 5-Oct-2024].
1. Deception Marketing Practices [Internet]. A1-TermPaper.com. 2012 [cited 5 October 2024]. Available from: https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/deceptive-marketing-practices-discover/1405362
1. Deception Marketing Practices. A1-TermPaper.com. https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/deceptive-marketing-practices-discover/1405362. Published 2012. Accessed October 5, 2024.

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