Which of the following is NOT a consequence of false or misleading advertising?

Answer: C — Increased sales

The correct choice indicates that increased sales are not a consequence of false or misleading advertising. While misleading advertising techniques might result in a temporary spike in sales due to the allure of promises that aren't kept, in the long run, it leads to greater issues. False advertising can result in legal penalties from regulatory bodies when consumers or competitors report deceptive practices. Additionally, businesses often face a significant loss of customer trust once the misleading nature of their advertisements is revealed. Customers who feel deceived are unlikely to return, leading to long-term damage to a company's reputation and ultimately impacting sales negatively. Therefore, while the short-term effects might seem beneficial, the broader impact of false advertising is detrimental, reinforcing that increased sales are not a sustainable or reliable consequence of such practices.