Fair
Treat benefits and drawbacks with equal honesty, so the message does not push only the upside.
Example: A savings advert states the promotional rate and clearly notes when it ends and what rate follows.
WhatsYourTake
The Public Record of Consumer Sentiment, Money & Policy
UK Financial Promotion Rules
Under COBS 4, communications must be fair, clear, and not misleading so people can understand risk, compare choices, and make informed decisions.
Clear
Use plain language and readable structure so people do not need specialist knowledge to understand the offer.
Example: A credit product page shows total repayment in one line, with fees explained in direct terms rather than jargon.
Not Misleading
Do not hide key conditions, exaggerate outcomes, or imply certainty where uncertainty exists.
Example: An investment post avoids “guaranteed returns” language and includes a clear statement that capital is at risk.
Practical checklist
Red flags in financial promotions
Use this quick scan before you act: if any of these warning signs appear, pause and verify the claim against trusted sources first.
-
Red flag 01
Hidden risks in the small print
Returns are highlighted, but fees, lock-ins, penalties, or loss scenarios are buried in footnotes or hard-to-find terms.
Why it matters: if risk details are obscured, you cannot make a fair like-for-like decision.
1 vote per browser session. Polling data collected for editorial and policy research.
-
Red flag 02
Unapproved finfluencer ads
A creator promotes a product with urgency and affiliate links, but there is no clear approval statement from an authorised firm.
Why it matters: unapproved promotions may bypass safeguards designed to protect consumers from harm.
1 vote per browser session. Polling data collected for editorial and policy research.
-
Red flag 03
Misleading rates and headline numbers
An eye-catching rate is shown without key conditions, time limits, representative examples, or realistic eligibility assumptions.
Why it matters: headline figures without context can distort expected outcomes and total cost.
1 vote per browser session. Polling data collected for editorial and policy research.