What characterizes a Bait and Switch attack?

A Bait and Switch attack is characterized by manipulating potential customers by initially attracting them with an enticing offer, only to switch the terms or products with something less desirable once they are engaged. This tactic is often employed in deceptive marketing practices where customers are lured in by the promise of a great deal or quality product that is never available as advertised. The essence of this strategy lies in the false representation of a product or service, leading customers into a situation where they feel compelled to follow through with the purchase, despite the original appeal being withdrawn.

Other choices, while related to themes of deception or manipulation, represent different scenarios. Substituting one product for another at checkout often refers to a more straightforward misleading sales tactic that may not have the broader implications of a switch in the perceived value of an offer. Offering a high-quality service that is never delivered can be seen as a form of fraud, but it lacks the initial engagement of a misleading promotion that characterizes a Bait and Switch. Using fake discounts might attract customers, but it doesn't necessarily involve switching the offer itself, making it more about price manipulation rather than a fundamental change in the product or service before purchase.