Don't Buy Fake Deals: Spot Them Easily

Share this with friends

Navigating the world of online deals can feel like traversing a minefield, right? This guide will arm you with the knowledge to spot those too-good-to-be-true offers – the kind that leave you with buyer's remorse or, worse, a compromised credit card. By learning to identify the red flags, you’ll shop smarter and protect your wallet!

What You’ll Learn

The psychology behind fake deals
Red flags to watch out for
Tools and resources for verifying deals
How to report fake deals
Alternative ways to find genuine discounts
Real-life examples of fake deals

The allure of a steep discount can be irresistible – like a siren's call to a weary sailor. But before you click that "Buy Now" button with reckless abandon, it's vital to pause and assess. Why? Because the internet, for all its wonders, is also a playground for scammers and less-than-reputable retailers, and as Wishmerge has previously noted in "Don't Buy This: Common Online Shopping Trap," not all deals are created equal.

The psychology behind fake deals

Ever wondered why we're so drawn to deals that seem almost impossibly good? It's not just about saving money, although that's a big part of it. It's about the thrill of the hunt, the feeling of getting one over on the system, and the fear of missing out (FOMO).

Loss aversion: The pain of missing out on a good deal often feels stronger than the pleasure of gaining something of equal value. Retailers and scammers alike exploit this by creating a sense of urgency – "Limited time offer!" or "Only 3 left in stock!"
Anchoring bias: When we see an item marked down from a high price (the anchor), the discounted price seems much more appealing, even if it's still overpriced. It's kinda ~~like seeing a $500 sweater marked down to $250~~ – our brains immediately focus on the $250 we're "saving" rather than the $250 we're spending.
Scarcity principle: Things become more desirable when they are perceived as rare or hard to obtain. This is why "limited edition" and "exclusive" products often command higher prices – and why scammers use phrases like "while supplies last" to pressure you into making a quick decision.

You see, fake deals are often crafted with these psychological triggers in mind, designed to bypass our rational thinking and tap into our emotions.

Red flags to watch out for

So, how do you separate the legit bargains from the cleverly disguised scams? Here are some red flags to keep an eye out for:

The price is too good to be true: This is the most obvious sign, and it's one you should never ignore. If a deal seems significantly lower than what you'd expect, question it. Is that 90% off that new OLED TV real? Probably not. Remember the old adage: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Unfamiliar or suspicious website: Before entering your credit card details on any website, take a close look. Does the URL look legitimate? (e.g., does it use HTTPS, indicating a secure connection?). Is the website design professional? Are there any obvious spelling or grammatical errors? Check the "About Us" and "Contact Us" pages, too; do they provide genuine information, or are they vague and unhelpful?
Pressure tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure sales tactics to rush you into making a purchase before you have time to think it over. Be wary of phrases like "Limited time offer," "Going fast!," or "Only a few left!" These are designed to trigger your FOMO and cloud your judgment.
Lack of contact information or customer support: A reputable retailer will always provide clear contact information and offer customer support. If you can't find a phone number, email address, or physical address on the website, or if the customer support is unresponsive, proceed with caution.
Suspicious payment methods: Be wary of retailers that only accept unconventional payment methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These payment methods are difficult to trace, making it harder to get your money back if you're scammed. Credit cards and PayPal typically offer more protection for buyers.
Missing or vague product descriptions: Legitimate retailers provide detailed product descriptions, including specifications, materials, and dimensions. If a product description is vague or missing altogether, it could be a sign that the seller is trying to hide something.
Fake or nonexistent reviews: While customer reviews can be a valuable source of information, they can also be easily manipulated. Be wary of reviews that are overly positive, generic, or suspiciously similar. Look for a mix of positive and negative reviews that provide specific details about the product and the seller. Oh, and while you're at it, "Don't Do This Neglect to Check Customer Reviews Before Buying"!
Requests for personal information: Never share your Social Security number, bank account details, or other sensitive personal information with a retailer unless you're absolutely sure they're legitimate. Scammers often use fake deals to collect personal information for identity theft.
Typos and grammatical errors: While the occasional typo is understandable, a website riddled with spelling and grammatical errors is a major red flag. It suggests that the retailer is not professional or trustworthy.
Reverse image search discrepancies: Run a reverse image search (using Google Images or TinEye) of the product photo. Does it appear on multiple websites with different prices or descriptions? This could indicate that the seller is using stolen images or is dropshipping from an unreliable source.

Tools and resources for verifying deals

Don't rely solely on your gut feeling. There are several tools and resources available to help you verify the legitimacy of online deals:

Price comparison websites: Use websites like Google Shopping, PriceRunner, or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to compare prices from different retailers and see if the deal you're looking at is truly a bargain.
Browser extensions: Install browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten, which automatically search for coupons and compare prices while you shop. These extensions can also alert you to fake or suspicious deals.
Website reputation checkers: Use websites like Trustpilot or Sitejabber to check the reputation of a retailer and see what other customers have to say about their experience.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check the BBB website to see if a retailer is accredited and has a good rating. The BBB also provides information about consumer complaints and scams.
Snopes and other fact-checking websites: Before sharing a deal on social media, check Snopes or other fact-checking websites to see if it's been verified.
Whois lookup: Use a Whois lookup tool to find out who owns a website and how long it's been registered. A recently registered website with anonymous ownership could be a red flag.

How to report fake deals

If you come across a fake deal, it's important to report it to help protect others from being scammed. Here's how:

Report it to the retailer: If the deal is being advertised on a legitimate retailer's website (e.g., Amazon, eBay), report it to them directly. They may be able to remove the listing or take other action against the scammer.
Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC investigates and prosecutes scams and deceptive business practices. You can report a fake deal to the FTC on their website.
Report it to the Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB tracks and investigates scams and consumer complaints. You can file a complaint with the BBB on their website.
Report it to your credit card company: If you've already made a purchase using a fake deal, contact your credit card company immediately to dispute the charge.
Warn your friends and family: Share your experience with others to help them avoid falling victim to the same scam. Post about it on social media or send an email to your contacts.

Alternative ways to find genuine discounts

So, you know how to spot the fakes… but where do you find the real deals? Here are some tried-and-true methods:

Sign up for email newsletters: Many retailers offer exclusive discounts and promotions to their email subscribers. Just be sure to unsubscribe from newsletters that become spammy.
Follow retailers on social media: Retailers often announce sales and promotions on their social media channels. Follow your favorite retailers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay in the loop.
Use coupon websites and apps: Websites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com aggregate coupons and promo codes from various retailers.
Shop during major holidays and events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other major holidays are prime times for finding genuine discounts.
Check the "clearance" or "sale" sections: Most retailers have a clearance or sale section on their website where you can find discounted items.
Consider refurbished or open-box items: Refurbished or open-box items are often sold at a discount, but they may have minor cosmetic imperfections. Just be sure to buy from a reputable seller with a good return policy.
Use Wishmerge: Of course, we have to toot our own horn! Wishmerge delivers daily handpicked deals, trending products, and unique gift ideas from across the web. We do the vetting for you!

Real-life examples of fake deals

To illustrate the importance of vigilance, let's look at some real-life examples of fake deals:

The "too good to be true" electronics sale: A woman saw an ad on Facebook for a brand-new iPhone being sold for $200. (Remember, new iPhones retail for much more.) She clicked on the link, which led her to a poorly designed website with no contact information. She entered her credit card details, and never received the phone. Her credit card was later used for fraudulent purchases.
The "limited-time" designer handbag sale: A man received an email from a retailer claiming to be selling authentic designer handbags at 90% off. The email included photos of high-end bags from brands like Gucci and Prada. He clicked on the link, which led him to a website that looked legitimate at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, he noticed that the website's URL was slightly different from the official designer brand's URL. He also noticed that the website lacked a secure connection (HTTPS). He decided to investigate further and discovered that the website was a fake, designed to steal credit card information.
The "going out of business" sale: A family saw an ad in their local newspaper for a furniture store that was "going out of business" and selling all of its inventory at heavily discounted prices. They visited the store, which was packed with customers eager to snag a bargain. They purchased a living room set for what seemed like a steal. However, after they paid, they were told that the furniture would be delivered in six to eight weeks. After eight weeks passed, they still hadn't received their furniture. They tried to contact the store, but the phone number was disconnected and the store had closed down. They later learned that the "going out of business" sale was a scam, and the store had simply closed down without delivering the furniture. It's awful to see folks get swindled like that, isn't it?

Protecting yourself from fake deals requires a healthy dose of skepticism, a keen eye for detail, and the willingness to do your homework. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can navigate the world of online deals with confidence and avoid becoming the next victim of a scam. Happy (and safe) shopping! And remember what we always say at Wishmerge: validate everything.