Year-end virtual discount tricks, consumers need to be alert to avoid traps

DNVN - The end of the year is always the most exciting period of the retail market, when a series of promotional programs bloom on e-commerce platforms, chain stores and distribution systems.

The slogans of “shocking discounts”, “super sale 12/12”, “only today’s deals”, “year-end clearance” appear frequently, creating strong attraction and boosting shopping demand. However, along with the explosion of promotions are increasingly sophisticated “virtual discount” tricks, forcing the National Competition Commission ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ) to speak up and warn consumers to be extremely vigilant to protect their own rights.

According to this agency, the three most common fraud tricks today include: increasing the original price and then reducing the price, creating a sense of scarcity to promote purchasing psychology and reducing the price of poor quality products. Of which, the trick of raising the price and announcing a deep discount of 50-70% is considered the most common fraud behavior, often applied in both online and direct stores.

Illustrative image.

Sellers increase the listed price higher than normal or only apply the old price for a very short time to legitimize the promotion, then advertise "shocking discount", "buy one get one free", "store clearance", but in reality the selling price after the reduction is still the same or higher than the market price.

Another trick is to create a false sense of scarcity, taking advantage of consumers' FOMO psychology. Notifications such as "only 1 product left", "almost out of stock", "500 people are viewing this product" appear continuously to put psychological pressure, causing customers to rush into decisions without carefully checking the information.

In addition, deep discounts on poor quality products are also increasing, from products that do not match the description, differ in size and color, to products of unknown origin, without safety certification, or even do not meet technical standards, posing many potential risks during use.

To avoid risks during the peak shopping season, the National Competition Commission recommends that consumers use price tracking tools, read community reviews and compare prices between multiple stores to verify the actual discount. It is important to prioritize buying at genuine stores, reputable e-commerce platforms or verified sellers.

Consumers should also carefully read the return policy, warranty, applicable period and additional fees, and should avoid buying from personal accounts with unknown identities or many negative reviews. In particular, keeping invoices, payment documents, price screenshots and unboxing videos will be important evidence in case of disputes.

The regulator also stressed that consumers should be cautious with products that have “unbelievable” discounts, far exceeding the average; or promotions that come with unusual conditions, lacking transparency about origin and safety certification.

Businesses need to strictly comply with the law on promotions, avoid fraudulent behavior, distort competition and reduce market confidence. Meanwhile, consumers should proactively verify information, consider carefully and immediately report unusual signs to contribute to building a safe and fair consumer environment.

The Law on Consumer Protection 2023 clearly stipulates the right to be provided with accurate and complete information; the right to complain and request compensation when suffering damage; as well as the right to report to competent authorities when rights are violated. In promotional programs, consumers can request businesses to publicly disclose the original price, discount level and applicable conditions.

If customers discover signs of fake promotions causing damage, they can directly complain to the business to request a refund, exchange or compensation. In case of suspected fraud, consumers can contact the Department of Industry and Trade, send feedback at the information portal bvntd.gov.vn/khieu-nai or call the hotline 1800.6838 for free support.

Wisdom Mind

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/kinh-te/chieu-tro-giam-gia-ao-cuoi-nam-nguoi-tieu-dung-can-tinh-tao-tranh-bay/20251208114444553