Astroturfing in financial advocacy can mislead consumers and policymakers, influencing decisions based on manufactured public opinion rather than genuine consensus.

The claim that astroturfing in financial advocacy can mislead consumers and policymakers is supported by the definition of astroturfing, which involves creating a false impression of grassroots support for a cause, often to manipulate public opinion and influence decisions. This practice is known to disguise orchestrated campaigns as grassroots movements, thereby misleading stakeholders about the true level of public support or opposition to a policy or product. Such tactics can indeed influence decisions based on manufactured public opinion rather than genuine consensus, as astroturfing aims to control the narrative and shape public perception by masking the true origins of advocacy campaigns SAGE Journals, SourceWatch, Ceisler Media.