Some companies try to boost business by doing things that are meant to mislead and manipulate customers. These include pre-checked boxes that obligate you to more than you bargained for, hard-to-find disclosures, and confusing cancellation policies. These practices are called “dark patterns,” and as more commerce moves online, they’re growing in scale and sophistication.

The Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on illegal dark patterns, but because the problem is so widespread, you need to know what to look for to protect yourself. In this episode, Sam Levine, director of the FTC’s Consumer Protection Bureau, talks to us about some of the most common dark patterns.

Additional Resources:

Consumerpedia Episode 31: Watch Out for These Common Fraud Tricks & Traps