Have you ever watched an ad that promised too much but delivered too little? In a digital world overflowing with promotions, it’s getting harder to tell what’s real and what’s just smoke and mirrors. Fake advertisements have not only tricked millions but have also cost the global economy dearly.
Business of Apps reports that “Ad fraud is projected to hit $50 billion by 2025, making up 10% of the global digital ad market. This rise isn’t just a number; it’s a warning signal that deceptive advertising is becoming more widespread. Several big-name brands have crossed the line from emotional manipulation to racial insensitivity just for the pursuit of attention.
In this article, we’re pulling back the curtain on 15 fake advertisement examples where brands got it wrong. Some sparked global backlash, while others led to lawsuits, but all serve as important lessons on where advertising should never go.
Key Highlights:
- The world’s biggest companies, from Pepsi to Shein, have crossed ethical lines in their ads.
- Brands exaggerating product visuals, like McDonald’s, may face legal action for false advertising.
- Brands must be hyper-aware of their messages to avoid backlash and brand damage.
- Advertisers must clearly label sponsored content to avoid legal consequences in an evolving digital world.
15 Misleading Fake Advertisements Examples That Fooled Millions
The rise of fake advertisements has blurred the line between clever marketing and outright deception. With ad fraud costs hitting billions, it’s clear that misleading promotions aren’t just hurting consumers. But they’re setting back even the most well-thought-out marketing strategies. When major brands bend the truth or use unethical tactics, it undermines trust and distorts the benchmarks used to measure success.
For advertising and marketing students, this growing trend poses a serious challenge. Understanding audience psychology and achieving authentic campaign outcomes becomes more challenging when false metrics dominate the industry. They’re often taught ideal strategies in theory, but struggle to apply them in assignments. Hence, many students turn to the best assignment writing services. These platforms break down real-world cases and include practical examples so students can better understand how advertising really works and sometimes, how it fails.
Now, let’s move to the top fake advertisement examples and the consequences brands faced.
1. Pepsi – Kendall Jenner Ad (2017)
You probably remember this one; it was everywhere. Pepsi aired a commercial where Kendall Jenner approached a line of police during a protest and offered an officer a can of Pepsi, suggesting it could ease the tension. The message was unity and peace, but it instead dismissed real protests and movements like Black Lives Matter.
Many saw it as one of the fake advertisement examples of a brand co-opting serious social issues for commercial gain. The backlash was so swift and loud that Pepsi pulled the ad in just one day. This is one of the best examples of fake advertisements because it illustrates how quickly public sentiment can shift against a brand when it crosses a sensitive line. It also highlights the dangers of tone-deaf marketing and demonstrates that using cultural movements to sell soda isn’t only unethical but also risky.
2. H&M – Hoodie (2018)
When H&M featured a young Black boy in a hoodie labelled “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle,” it didn’t take long for public backlash to explode. What should have been a routine product shoot turned into a major PR nightmare. Critics worldwide condemned the brand, accusing it of reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This was a textbook example of fake advertisement, where a brand’s lack of cultural awareness caused real harm.
Celebrities and influencers cut ties with H&M, and the company had to apologise multiple times. This ad belongs on any list of fake advertisement examples because it reflects a deep failure in the internal review process. Moreover, it’s a reminder that inclusivity is about being thoughtful and culturally sensitive.
3. Dove – Racially Insensitive Facebook Ad (2017)
Imagine scrolling through Facebook and seeing a Black woman use soap and transform into a white woman. Sounds awful, right? That’s exactly what Dove portrayed in its 2017 Facebook ad. The brand claimed it was trying to promote diversity, but viewers saw it as promoting whitewashing.
This fake advertisement example stirred up social media outrage, with many labelling it as one of the most unethical advertising examples in recent years. NPR reports that nearly 1000 people agreed that it was offensive and racist.
However, Dove eventually removed the post and apologised, but the damage was done. This blunder remains one of the most infamous fake advertising examples marketers still reference as a cautionary tale. It shows how a lack of perspective and diverse voices can lead to marketing disasters.
4. Burger King – Tweet (2021)
On International Women’s Day in 2021, Burger King UK posted, “Women belong in the kitchen.” Although the aim was to support female chefs through scholarships, the tone of the tweet caused immediate controversy and was widely seen as offensive. The tweet was called out for perpetuating sexist stereotypes and was labelled as one of the most tone-deaf and fake advertisement examples of that year.
So, the backlash led Burger King to delete the tweet and issue an apology. You can see how trying to be edgy or provocative without context can backfire hard. This example of fake advertisement reminds brands that timing, tone, and clarity are everything in marketing, especially on social media.
5. Balenciaga – Controversial Child Ad Campaign (2022)
This one stirred global outrage. In 2022, Balenciaga launched a campaign featuring children holding teddy bears styled in bondage-inspired outfits. Yes, you read that right. It was immediately seen as one of the most unethical advertising examples to date. You were likely among the millions wondering: how did this pass-through multiple levels of approval?
Critics argued the brand was sexualising children to make a statement, but the message was completely lost. This is a prime example of fake advertisement that pushed boundaries far beyond reason. The backlash was fierce, prompting Balenciaga to pull the campaign and issue a rare, full-scale apology.
Also, Teen Vogue reports that “The brand soon pursued legal action against the production team, suing North Six Inc. for $25 million.”
Moreover, this remains one of the most talked-about examples of misleading products ever, because it blurred lines no brand should ever touch.
6. Dolce & Gabbana – Racist Ad in China (2018)
Dolce & Gabbana drew criticism in China after releasing a commercial depicting a Chinese woman struggling to eat Italian dishes using chopsticks, a portrayal many found culturally insensitive. It was supposed to be quirky and humorous, but instead, it came off as patronising and deeply offensive. The ad triggered a huge backlash in China, where consumers accused the brand of racism and cultural insensitivity.
So, this became a fake advertisement example that cost them dearly. BBC reports that “Major e-commerce platforms in China dropped Dolce & Gabbana products.” It’s one of the best fake advertisement examples of how cultural missteps in global campaigns can have massive financial consequences. Therefore, this case teaches that ignorance isn’t just embarrassing, but it’s expensive.
7. Heineken – “Lighter is Better” Ad (2018)
Heineken came under fire for an ad where a beer was passed past multiple dark-skinned individuals and landed in front of a light-skinned woman, followed by the tagline: “Lighter is better.” The message was widely condemned as racially insensitive. The brand tried to position it as a reference to the beer’s light flavour, but viewers saw racial implications instead.
So, this ad falls squarely in the category of fake advertising examples marketers still warn about in DEI training. It serves as an example of false advertising on social media that damages brand equity. While Heineken apologised, the damage was done, reinforcing the idea that ambiguity in messaging can be dangerous, especially in a racially charged context.
8. Gucci – Blackface Sweater Controversy (2019)
Gucci’s 2019 turtleneck sweater resembled blackface, a red-lined mouth cutout on a black knit that covered the face. You couldn’t have missed the controversy. The luxury brand faced severe backlash, with many accusing it of promoting racist imagery. This was a glaring example of fake advertisements of how fashion can cross the line from avant-garde to offensive.
Although Gucci quickly withdrew the product and issued an apology, the backlash lingered, leaving a stain on its reputation. It was widely shared as one of the most recent false advertising cases involving luxury brands. This moment illustrates that even high-end names aren’t immune to tone-deaf mistakes, particularly when they fail to incorporate diverse voices into their creative process.
9. Nivea “White is Purity” Ad (2017)
A deodorant ad with the tagline “White is Purity” was promoted in the Middle East. That’s exactly what Nivea did in 2017. You probably saw this as a blatant example of fake advertisement filled with racial undertones. The backlash was swift, with many calling it one of the most unethical advertising examples ever. Nivea took the ad down, but not before it was labelled one of the worst marketing decisions in modern advertising.
Moreover, it raised serious questions about how global campaigns are approved without cultural sensitivity checks. Hence, this ad continues to be one of the best fake advertisements examples for marketers to study and avoid repeating.
10. GAP – Kids Ad with Racial Stereotypes (2016)
In a 2016 GAP ad, a tall white girl leans her arm on a younger Black girl’s head. It may not sound awful at first, but visual storytelling matters, and this one screamed inequality. Viewers like you immediately noticed the implied hierarchy and voiced their concern. It was called out as an example of fake advertisement that subtly reinforced racial stereotypes.
GAP responded by removing the ad and issuing an apology. This case stands out among fake advertisements examples because it teaches how even unintentional cues can send damaging messages. Furthermore, it proves that brands must be meticulous about imagery in diverse campaigns.
11. Snapchat – Rihanna and Chris Brown Domestic Violence Joke (2018)
Snapchat crossed a line when it ran an interactive ad asking users to choose between “slapping Rihanna” or “punching Chris Brown.” It reflected domestic violence and sparked instant outrage. Rihanna herself spoke out, calling the platform out publicly. The backlash was severe, with many deleting the app and media labelling it as one of the worst fake advertisement examples in tech.
Snapchat quickly apologised, but its stock took a hit. According to Teen Vogue, “Snap Inc.’s stock dropped nearly 4%, erasing approximately $800 million from its market value.” This example of false advertising on social media showed the real-world consequences of making light of serious issues. Moreover, it taught brands that user-generated content must still be vetted to avoid promoting unethical narratives.
12. American Apparel – Using National Tragedy for Promotion (2012)
During Hurricane Sandy, American Apparel promoted a “storm sale” with the line “In case you’re bored during the storm.” The attempt to profit off a natural disaster felt tone-deaf and opportunistic to many. If you were watching the news, you know people were losing homes and lives at the time. This was clearly one of the most unethical advertising examples ever aired.
Furthermore, it’s a classic fake advertisements examples of how not to do brand promotion. The public backlash was overwhelming, and the brand faced significant reputational damage. Hence, it remains one of the most cited examples of misleading products that turned into a PR nightmare overnight.
13. Abercrombie & Fitch – Offensive Graphic Tees (Early 2000s)
Back in the early 2000s, Abercrombie & Fitch made headlines for graphic tees with slogans that mocked Asians, women, and other groups. You may have seen or even worn some without realising the implications at the time. However, looking back, it’s clear these were fake advertisements, examples of exploiting stereotypes for humour.
Furthermore, The Guardian reports that “Abercrombie & Fitch paid out $71,000 to settle lawsuits” and faced massive boycotts. These tees are now often included in discussions around recent false advertising cases from earlier decades. This fake advertisement example proves that what was once considered edgy humour can age terribly, and cost a brand its modern audience.
14. Calvin Klein – Hyper-Sexualised Ad Campaigns (Multiple Years)
Calvin Klein has a long history of using sexual imagery to sell clothing, but sometimes, it crossed ethical lines. From borderline underage models to questionable poses, you likely saw some ads and thought, “Is that even legal?” These campaigns often walked a thin line between art and exploitation. As fake advertisements examples go, these are often cited as misleading product examples that hypersexualise youth.
Although Calvin Klein is known for pushing boundaries, many of their past ads wouldn’t be approved today. Therefore, it’s a vital example of fake advertisement where being provocative backfired, showing that shock value doesn’t always equal good marketing.
15. Shein – Selling Swastika Necklaces (2020)
When Shein listed swastika necklaces for sale in 2020, outrage erupted instantly. If you saw it, you probably asked, “How did this happen?” The brand claimed the symbol was cultural, but the context in Western markets is unavoidably tied to Nazism. This was a horrific example of fake advertisement that overlooked historical trauma.
So, the backlash was so widespread that Shein had to pull the product and apologise. This is one of the most glaring fake advertisements that highlight the consequences of cultural ignorance. Moreover, it sparked a larger discussion about ethical sourcing, cultural appropriation, and the need for global sensitivity in e-commerce.
What Is an Example of a Disguised Ad?
Disguised ads, also known as native ads, are made to blend into the platform they appear on. You’ve probably come across a listicle titled something like “Top 10 Laptops for 2025,” and without realising it, you were reading a subtle promo for a tech brand. These types of ads mimic genuine content, making them hard to spot unless you’re paying close attention.
The real issue kicks in when there’s no clear disclaimer that the content is sponsored. That’s where the ethical grey area begins. Readers assume they’re getting unbiased advice, but in reality, there’s a brand behind the scenes pulling the strings. For platforms and marketers, transparency is key. Failing to disclose sponsorship clearly can break the reader’s trust and damage credibility in the long run.
What Is an Example of Bad Advertising?
One of the most talked-about advertising flops has to be Pepsi’s 2017 commercial featuring Kendall Jenner. In the ad, Jenner gives a can of Pepsi to a police officer, like that’s all it takes to solve serious societal issues. While the intent may have been to show unity, the execution fell completely flat.
People were outraged, accusing Pepsi of trying to commercialise and downplay real struggles like the Black Lives Matter movement. The reaction online was immediate and harsh, forcing the brand to pull the ad and issue an apology. This example shows how important cultural awareness is in advertising. Miss the mark on tone or timing, and what’s meant to be a feel-good message can quickly become a PR nightmare.
What Is the McDonald’s False Advertising Lawsuit?
In 2022, McDonald’s was hit with a false advertising lawsuit accusing the fast-food giant of misleading customers with exaggerated images of burgers in advertisements.
The AP News reports that “The lawsuit, filed in New York, claimed McDonald’s was overstating the size and appearance of its menu items.”
According to the legal complaint, actual burgers served in stores were significantly smaller and lacked the fresh-looking toppings shown in ads. The lawsuit pointed out that this misrepresentation tricked consumers into making purchases based on unrealistic expectations. It wasn’t just about food quality; it raised broader concerns about corporate honesty in marketing.
What Is an Example of Disguised?
In the realm of advertising, “disguised” often refers to content that conceals its promotional nature. In 2024, Kourtney Kardashian’s wellness line, Lemme, launched a supplement called “GLP-1 Daily,” promoted as an alternative to Ozempic. While the product was promoted through blog posts and social media content emphasising health and wellness, it subtly served as an advertisement for the supplement.
The promotional materials often lacked clear disclaimers about the commercial intent, leading consumers to perceive the content as unbiased health advice. These types of fake advertising examples are considered disguised, where promotional content is presented in a format that mimics editorial or informational material. But it was potentially misleading audiences about the nature of the content. Such practices have raised concerns about transparency and the ethical implications of blending marketing with informational content.
What Are Examples of Covert Ads?
Covert ads are advertisements that are subtly embedded into content without openly revealing that they are ads. One well-known example is product placement in movies. For instance, in the James Bond film Skyfall, Bond drinks a Heineken instead of his iconic martini; this was actually part of a paid deal.
Another example is when a character in a TV show casually uses an Apple iPhone or wears a certain brand of sneakers, all arranged through brand partnerships. These ads are woven so smoothly into the storyline that you might not even notice them. On social media, covert ads often appear in influencer content that looks organic but is actually sponsored.
Since these ads don’t declare themselves as such, they’re considered ethically grey, and many regulations now require disclosure to avoid deceiving viewers.
What Is an Example of an Unfinished Claim in Advertising?
One common trick in advertising is the use of unfinished claims, statements that sound impressive but actually say very little. For example, a toothpaste brand might say, “Our product fights cavities better,” but doesn’t say what it’s being compared to. Better than what? A previous version? Another brand? Plain water? It’s left open on purpose. These kinds of vague claims are meant to make you assume the product is superior without offering real proof.
This technique can be misleading because it gives consumers the illusion of value. While it may not be an outright lie, it bends the truth just enough to create a false impression. For marketers, it’s a reminder that clarity and transparency build stronger customer relationships. Today’s audiences are savvy; they want real answers, not clever wording that dodges accountability.
What Is the Best Example of Unethical Behaviour in Advertising?
A powerful example of unethical advertising is when brands push unrealistic beauty standards through heavily retouched photos. We’ve all seen those “miracle” skincare or weight-loss transformations that look too good to be true because often, they are. Digital editing tools are used to smooth skin, slim figures, and exaggerate results, creating a fantasy rather than reality.
This isn’t just deceptive; it can harm people’s mental well-being. Young audiences, in particular, may internalise these messages, believing they’re inadequate without certain products. Even worse, some brands enlist influencers who fail to disclose they’re being paid, making their praise seem genuine. This erodes trust and manipulates buyers into making choices they might not otherwise consider.
For future advertisers, this should be a cautionary tale. Honesty and authenticity aren’t just good practice, but they’re what today’s consumers expect. Brands that mislead may win in the short term but lose their credibility in the long run.
What Is an Example of Negative Marketing?
Negative marketing is when a brand highlights the flaws of its competitor and proves itself better. A classic example is the rivalry between Coca-Cola and Pepsi. In several Pepsi ads, Coca-Cola is portrayed as outdated while Pepsi is the more exciting choice. These sorts of ads spark competition and fun between the rival brands.
While this is one of the best attention-grabbing advertisements, it can also backfire because it’s too aggressive. Actually, native marketing is a fine line between building and damaging the brand’s name. These days, the audience is more conscious, so brands must be more careful while opting for negative marketing.
Final Words
So, what should you take away from these fake advertisements’ examples? First, advertising isn’t just about grabbing attention; it’s about maintaining integrity. From product plugs to tone-deaf campaigns, these examples prove that crossing the ethical line comes with consequences. Even the biggest brands can fall hard when they neglect cultural awareness, audience sensitivity, or transparency.
Today’s marketers must think more deeply, not just about messaging, but also about its impact on society. Unfortunately, students studying marketing often take these ads at face value, resulting in inadequate analysis in their assignments. In this situation, smart ones opt for professional assignment writing companies in the UK for expert guidance. These services help decode the true intent behind ads and ensure students don’t fall into the trap of surface-level understanding.
Hence, always question the intent behind the ad, verify the facts, and understand the audience impact. If you want to master ethical advertising, start by learning from these missteps. So, you could create campaigns that inform, respect, and resonate.