SEVEN SINS OF THE MARKETPLACE | Originally broadcast April 3, 2009 on CBC-TV
Sin of Assurance
C
ompanies sometimes make false or misleading statements to make a sale. Problem is their products don’t always live up to their marketing promises.
Never take a company or salesperson's word for it. Check out the product for yourself by looking for reviews and consumer comments online. For big ticket items like a used car have a mechanic do an inspection. Car history reports can also be useful but find out exactly what information they do and do not include.

Posted on April 3, 2009 CommentBookmark, Email & Share
When to Watch
Fridays 8:30 p.m.
(9 p.m. Newfoundland & Labrador)
Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m.
TV IconRecent Episodes
Rate Hike Outrage Rate Hike Outrage: Has your home insurance rate gone up? Wendy Mesley reveals it could be connected to your credit score.  Comments 150
Something's Fishy Something's Fishy: It's labelled halibut, but can you count on it? When you buy fish are you getting what you pay for? Erica Johnson goes fishing for answers.  Comments 25
Stretching the Truth? Stretching the Truth?: Erica Johnson investigates the widely advertised decompression therapy for back pain.  Comments 98
Burning Question Burning Question: Firefighters know there's one thing that can help save lives in a fire, so you'll be surprised to learn this one thing is still missing in thousands of buildings across Canada.  Comments 31
The Debt Trap The Debt Trap: Erica Johnson investigates a new wave of so-called American-style non-profit charities offering debt advice to Canadians.  Comments 10
Who's Minding the Store? Who's Minding the Store?: Erica Johnson reveals the newest way thieves are stealing your credit and debit card numbers.   Comments 30
Canada's Worst Cellphone Bill Canada's Worst Cellphone Bill: Wendy Mesley investigates the story behind huge bills many Canadians rack up from using their cellphones.   Comments 155
Magic in a Bottle? Magic in a Bottle?: Erica Johnson puts Herbal Magic to the test and raises questions about its products, how they’re sold, and what evidence there is to back up some of its claims.  Comments 144
Road to Rich Dad Road to Rich Dad: The pitch is how to get rich, or is it how to get ripped off? Erica Johnson investigates who's getting rich off Rich Dad.  Comments 183
GPS Distraction GPS Distraction: Convenience over safety? Marketplace conducts a first of its kind test in Erica Johnson's investigation into GPSs.   Comments 48
Grow Op Cover Up Grow Op Cover Up: Erica Johnson and contractor Mike Holmes reveal a new twist on home inspectors: more Canadians are buying houses that were formerly used as marijuana grow-ops. How could home inspectors miss the obvious signs?  Comments 134
Busted
Who gets Busted?
Find out on Marketplace
BulletWhen you buy from Bloomex, do you get your money's worth?  12
BulletWhat's the real story behind the prices at easyhome?  37
BulletDo Canadian pediatricians really endorse Lysol?  5
BulletWhen it comes to cord blood banks, is the marketing misleading?  14
BulletIf your roof wears out early, how well are you covered?  40