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Can I say it?

Can I say “only 5 spots left” in a clinic ad?

Usually no. 2 rules fired across 3 sample sentences, and the checker's own text explains why.

The short answer

Usually no. The checker blocks the bare phrase in this setting. The first rule it hits is CG-OFF-004. Its reason: Urgency and scarcity claims must be true, and false urgency is deceptive.

Source the rule cites: FTC Act section 5

Checked as an ad promoting a clinical service.

A clear result is not an all-clear. The checker flags wording for review and does not know your evidence, your state or your platform's review. Read the limitations.

Sample wording, run through the checker

These are sentences written to contain the phrase, not real claims. Each ran through the real engine and the shipped rule-set when this site was built.

Sample 1 · actual checker output2 rules fired

Only 5 spots left, book today.

  • BlockingCG-OFF-004Offers and pricing. Matched: “Only 5 spots left”
  • WarningCG-OFF-008Offers and pricing. Matched: “5 spots left”
Sample 2 · actual checker output2 rules fired

Only 5 spots left this week.

  • BlockingCG-OFF-004Offers and pricing. Matched: “Only 5 spots left”
  • WarningCG-OFF-008Offers and pricing. Matched: “5 spots left”
Sample 3 · actual checker output2 rules fired

Only 5 spots left for this price.

  • BlockingCG-OFF-004Offers and pricing. Matched: “Only 5 spots left”
  • WarningCG-OFF-008Offers and pricing. Matched: “5 spots left”

What to say instead

This version came back with no rule fired:

Appointments book up. See the schedule and pick a time that works for you.

Actual checker output: no rule fired. It still has to be true for your business.

What the rules themselves suggest:

  • CG-OFF-004 Use a real deadline and state it, or remove the urgency.
  • CG-OFF-008 Use a real deadline, state it, and do not suggest a drug will run out or that prices will jump unless that is documented and true.

The rules behind this answer

Reason, source and citation for each rule that fired, in the checker's own words. Blocking rules come first.

  1. CG-OFF-004 · Blocks approval

    Urgency and scarcity claims must be true, and false urgency is deceptive.

    Source: FTC Act section 5

    Safer wording: Use a real deadline and state it, or remove the urgency.

    See source text · Needs counsel review

  2. CG-OFF-008 · Warns

    Scarcity and pressure language, especially about prescription drugs, pushes people to decide without time to think and must be true.

    Source: FTC Act section 5

    Safer wording: Use a real deadline, state it, and do not suggest a drug will run out or that prices will jump unless that is documented and true.

    See source text · Needs counsel review

Background: Clear and conspicuous in the glossary.

Questions

Which rule covers scarcity claims?

Rule CG-OFF-004. The rule's reason: Urgency and scarcity claims must be true, and false urgency is deceptive.

What should I write instead?

The rule's own suggestion for rule CG-OFF-004: Use a real deadline and state it, or remove the urgency.

If the checker shows nothing, can I publish?

No. A clean result means none of the checker's rules matched. It does not weigh your evidence, your state or your platform's review, and it is not legal advice. Read the limitations page for what it misses.

Next step

Check your own wording

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