Read the passage carefully and answer the questions.

Ritika, a school teacher in Pune, came across an advertisement on social media promoting a new health supplement that claimed to help with weight loss in just a few weeks. The ad featured attractive before-and-after images, along with testimonials from satisfied users, and stated that the product was "clinically tested" and "100% natural." Intrigued by the promising results, Ritika purchased the supplement for 1,500, believing it would help her with her weight loss goals.

After using the supplement for two weeks, Ritika noticed no change in her weight, and she began feeling some stomach discomfort. Concerned, she contacted the company's customer service for advice, only to receive vague responses. When Ritika did further research, she found out that the supplement had not undergone any clinical testing, and the ingredients listed on the label were not as advertised. Shocked by this misleading information, Ritika decided to file a complaint with the Consumer Forum.

She highlighted that the product's advertisement was misleading and violated her consumer rights. After hearing her complaint, the Consumer Court ruled in her favor, ordering the company to refund her money and pay a penalty for the misleading advertisement.

What should consumers do to protect themselves from misleading advertisements?

Conduct research and verify product claims

The correct answer is option 2- Conduct research and verify product claims.

To protect themselves from misleading advertisements, consumers should research the product, check for genuine reviews, verify any health or performance claims, and look for official certifications before making a purchase. Relying solely on ads or emotional appeal can lead to poor decisions, as seen in Ritika’s case.