Deceptive practices refer to actions that mislead or trick individuals or groups, often for personal gain. These practices can occur in various contexts, such as advertising, sales, or financial transactions. Common examples include false claims about a product's effectiveness or hidden fees in a contract. Such practices can harm consumers and undermine trust in businesses and institutions. Laws and regulations, like the Federal Trade Commission Act in the United States, aim to protect individuals from deceptive practices by promoting transparency and honesty in commercial activities.