Dark Patters is a term coined by British user-experience consultant Harry Brignull. It refers to any number of exploitative techniques that trick consumers into purchasing products and services they may not intend to buy. Even reputable companies may engage in this practice and, sadly, there are few legal protections against it. However, if you believe you have been tricked into purchasing a product or ended up with a service through means you find duplicitous, you may be entitled to compensation. The Chicago consumer protection attorneys at Markoff Leinberger are here to investigate your claim and help you determine if you have cause to file suit.

Examples of Dark Patterns

Examples of Dark Patterns include:

• Advertisements disguised as other types of content
• Forced continuity
• Hidden costs
• Misdirection
• Automatic addition of products and services to shopping baskets

According to Brignull’s Dark Patterns website, these techniques also include services that are simple to sign up for, but very difficult to discontinue.

Due to a series of somewhat lax laws regarding many of these practices, unscrupulous companies often hide Dark Patterns in fine print to help protect themselves against legal action. This does not mean that you are without recourse. If you believe your rights have been violated, please contact Markoff Leinberger online or by calling our Chicago office at(888) 517-9115 to learn how we can help.