Explain any five ways in which consumers are exploited in the market.

Consumers face exploitation through adulteration, false weights, overpricing, misleading ads, and poor quality goods.

Five major ways

1. Adulteration: Mixing cheap or harmful substances in food or products reduces quality (e.g., mixing stones in grains).
2. False weights and measures: Giving less quantity than paid for.
3. Overcharging: Charging higher than printed MRP or approved rate.
4. Misleading advertisements: False claims about effectiveness or origin of products.
5. Defective goods and lack of safety: Selling items that fail quality standards or cause harm.

Protection

• Consumer Protection Act ensures right to information, safety, and redressal.
• Consumer courts and helplines available for complaints.