Christmas shopping: beware of bargain scams

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A few weeks before Christmas, many retailers advertise online and offline with big discount campaigns. The aim is to attract customers with high discounts. However, consumers should be on their guard, as not every offer is worthwhile, and fraudsters also promise themselves a good deal.
Seven hours to search for offers
A recent survey by the industry association Bitkom of 1,180 internet users aged 16 and over shows how firmly anchored discount days have become in the consciousness of consumers. According to the survey, 98% of respondents know about Black Friday, and 59% plan to purchase during the event. On average, they are prepared to spend around seven hours searching for offers.

Compare prices and check discounts
“Not every lurid advertising claim is really a bargain,” explains Iwona Husemann, a consumer legal expert center. According to the consumer advocate, many of the allegedly high price reductions are based on a comparison with the recommended retail price (RRP) issued by the manufacturer or importer of a product. However, the RRP cannot be equated with the usual retail price. It is, therefore, advisable to monitor the price of an item before a day like Black Friday.

It is also advisable to compare the amount requested with the prices at other retailers. This is because the same—or a comparable—product may still be cheaper there. Consumers can use price search engines, for example, to do this. In addition, consumers should not be manipulated by tricks such as expiring timers or allegedly dwindling stocks.

Fake stores on the internet

In recent years, the police have also repeatedly warned against attempted fraud with fake stores—as is currently the case again. “The criminal operators rely on deceptively genuine-looking online presences to lure unsuspecting consumers into the sales trap with supposedly good deals,” the State Criminal Police Office warns.

Pay attention to payment methods
The State Office of Criminal Investigation warns that fake stores often use “only minimal deviations from real store addresses” in their Internet addresses and offer goods at “unrealistically low prices.” The greatest skepticism is required if the legal notice or terms and conditions are missing or incorrect. “Reputable stores offer secure payment methods, for example, via invoice or well-known payment services,” is also advised. Unlike fake feedback, genuine customer reviews are “usually detailed and specific.” Seals of approval should also be “really clickable and verifiable.”.