Warning about 'virtual discount' tricks during year-end shopping season

Three common "fake discount" tricks that consumers need to be wary of include: increasing the original price and then reducing it; creating a sense of scarcity to stimulate purchases; and reducing prices on products of poor quality.

The National Competition Commission warns against "virtual discount" tricks during year-end shopping.

The National Competition Commission ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ) has just warned consumers to be alert to protect their rights and avoid being scammed with "fake discounts" during the year-end shopping season. Tricks such as raising prices and then reducing prices, creating a false sense of scarcity and selling poor quality products are on the rise, requiring consumers to be smart in their choices.

The year-end shopping season is always the most exciting time of the year, when a series of promotional programs are simultaneously deployed on e-commerce platforms, retail chains and distribution systems. Slogans such as "shocking discounts," "super sale 12/12," "today only offers," "year-end clearance" appear densely, creating a bustling and attractive consumer picture.

However, in reality, there are still cases of unclear promotions, such as raising prices and then reducing them, creating artificial scarcity or announcing false promotions to deceive consumers. These actions potentially violate consumers' rights to accurate information and their rights to choice.

According to the National Competition Commission, there are three common "virtual discount" tricks that consumers need to be especially wary of.

First, increase the original price and then reduce the price. This is a common tactic in some offline and online stores. The seller raises the listed price higher than the actual price or applies it for a very short time to justify the subsequent reduction.

Then they offer a 50%-70% discount, creating a sense of great deals like "buy one get one free", "store clearance" or "shocking sale". However, the price after the discount is actually equivalent to, or even higher than, the market price.

Second, create a sense of scarcity to promote purchases. Notifications such as "only 1 product left", "out of stock", "500 people are viewing this product" are used to trigger FOMO (fear of missing out). This is an invisible pressure method, making consumers tend to make quick decisions without checking the information.

Third, discounts on poor quality products. One of the most obvious forms of fraud that is emerging is the situation where products are deeply discounted but the quality does not match the advertisement, such as not like the picture, different color, wrong size, or material significantly worse than described. In particular, some items do not even meet technical standards, have no information about origin, no label, and pose potential safety risks.

Many people take advantage of Black Friday promotions.

To minimize risks and protect rights during peak shopping periods, the National Competition Commission has made some important recommendations. Accordingly, consumers should use price tracking tools or read community reviews to determine whether the discount is real or not, and compare prices at many stores to have a more accurate assessment.

The National Competition Commission recommends prioritizing purchases at genuine stores, large e-commerce platforms or verified sellers. At the same time, it is necessary to carefully read the conditions for returns, warranties, additional costs, and applicable periods. Consumers should limit purchases from individuals who sell freely, sellers who do not display information or have many negative reviews to minimize the risk of buying counterfeit or poor quality goods.

In particular, you should keep all invoices and transaction evidence, including payment documents, screenshots of prices, promotions at the time of purchase, and videos recording the opening process as evidence in case of disputes.

Consumers need to be careful when encountering products with deep discounts, far beyond the market level; unusual conditions; unclear supplier information, quality, and safety certification.

The National Competition Commission recommends that business organizations and individuals must strictly comply with legal regulations and avoid fraudulent activities in promotions because these activities not only affect consumer rights but also distort competition and undermine market confidence. At the same time, consumers need to proactively verify information, carefully consider and promptly report unusual behaviors to contribute to building a safe, transparent and fair consumer environment.

According to the Law on Consumer Protection 2023, consumers have the right to be provided with accurate and complete information; the right to complain and request compensation for damages; as well as the right to report to competent authorities when their interests are violated. In promotional programs, consumers can request businesses to clearly explain the price, pre-promotional discount level and applicable conditions.

If consumers discover that a fake promotion has caused damage, they have the right to file a complaint with the business to request a refund, exchange or compensation. In case of suspected fraud, consumers can report to the Department of Industry and Trade, visit the website www.bvntd.gov.vn/khieu-nai or contact the Consumer Protection Consulting and Support Hotline 1800.6838 for free answers.

According to VNA

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/canh-bao-chieu-tro-giam-gia-ao-dip-mua-sam-cuoi-nam-528981.html