Time is counting down to Black Friday on Friday 29/11 and Cyber Monday on 1/12.
The “Consumer Advocate” gives consumers a survival guide to shop safely during sales without falling victim to fraud.
Transparency of discounts
- Many stores show big discounts, without always being real. It is recommended to carefully check and compare product prices before and during the sale period.
- The evolution of prices over a period of several months can be easily done by consumers using relevant online tools.
Shop reputation research
- It is good to choose stores not only based on low prices, but also on the basis of their good reputation and long-term presence in the market. The positive experiences and reviews of other consumers are also a parameter that can help in the final choice.
- It is recommended to avoid transactions with online stores that operate exclusively through social networks, without having a physical office at the same time and without disclosing full contact details (postal and electronic
address, landline number), as well as registration number in the General Commercial Register (G.E.MH.).
Safety in online shopping
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday are an opportunity for the astute to deceive unsuspecting consumers with a preference for online shopping. It is recommended that consumers visit secure store websites, which
start with “https” (with an SSL certificate). - It is a good idea to avoid storing sensitive personal data, such as credit card numbers, on store websites that consumers do not deal with often, and also to avoid making online purchases while connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
Checking the final cost in the cart
In some cases, the initial cost of a product can be significantly increased by adding additional charges to the shopping cart, such as shipping, cash on delivery and insurance. To avoid unpleasant surprises, we always check the total value of each purchase before completing the transaction.
Beware of suspicious offers and emails
Online email scams increase rapidly during the sales season. Consumers are advised to pay special attention to commercial offers sent by email from strangers or with very attractive prices, as they may constitute phishing traps for sensitive personal information by opening malicious external links (links) or attached files.
Responsible shopping
Any sales event that promises low prices encourages overconsumption. We always try to focus on real needs and purchases that have absolute priority, making proper planning based on our budget.
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What are some specific online tools or resources that consumers can use to verify the legitimacy of a retailer and compare prices effectively during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
## Navigating the Black Friday & Cyber Monday Maze: A Consumer Survival Guide
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World-Today-News, where we empower consumers with the knowledge to make informed decisions. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, we’re joined by two experts to discuss “The Consumer Advocate’s” essential guide to safe and responsible shopping during these massive sales events.
Our guests today are:
* **[Guest 1 Name],** a cybersecurity expert specializing in online fraud detection.
* **[Guest 2 Name],** a financial advisor who focuses on responsible spending and budgeting.
Let’s dive into the discussion!
**Section 1: Price Transparency and Smart Comparisons**
* **Interviewer:** The “Consumer Advocate” stresses the importance of verifying discounts and conducting price comparisons. [Guest 1], can you elaborate on common tactics retailers use during these sales events that might mislead consumers? How can consumers utilize online tools to ensure they’re getting a genuine deal?
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2], from a financial standpoint, how can consumers balance the lure of deep discounts with their overall budget and spending goals? What are some strategies for avoiding impulsive purchases driven by “fear of missing out” (FOMO)?
**Section 2: Choosing Trustworthy Retailers**
* **Interviewer:** The article highlights the need to research a retailer’s reputation before making a purchase. [Guest 1], what red flags should consumers be wary of, particularly when encountering online stores operating exclusively through social media? Are there any online resources or platforms consumers can use to verify a retailer’s legitimacy?
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2], what are your thoughts on the allure of “too-good-to-be-true” deals and how can consumers protect themselves from falling victim to scams aimed at exploiting their desire for bargains?
**Section 3: Secure Online Shopping Practices**
* **Interviewer:** With online shopping playing a dominant role in these sales events, security becomes paramount. [Guest 1], what are the key indicators of a secure website and how can consumers protect their personal and financial information while shopping online?
* **Interviewer:** What are the risks associated with storing payment information on e-commerce websites and how can consumers minimize these risks?
**Section 4: Checking the Final Bill and Email Scams**
* **Interviewer:** It’s easy to be caught off guard by hidden charges that inflate the final cost. [Guest 2], what advice can you offer consumers to ensure they fully understand the total cost before completing their purchase and avoiding unwanted surprises?
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 1], phishing scams often see a surge during major sales events. What are some telltale signs consumers should watch out for in emails and messages claiming to offer incredible deals?
**Section 5: The Importance of Responsible Shopping**
* **Interviewer:** While Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer enticing deals, it’s crucial to focus on responsible consumption. [Guest 2], how can consumers incorporate their financial goals and priorities into their shopping strategies during these events?
* **Interviewer:** Let’s wrap up with some final words of wisdom for our audience. What is the single most important piece of advice each of you would offer to consumers navigating the Black Friday and Cyber Monday whirlwind?
**Closing:**
Thank you, [Guest 1] and [Guest 2], for your invaluable insights! We hope these reflections empower our viewers to confidently navigate the complex world of Black Friday and Cyber Monday while safeguarding themselves from fraud and overspending. For more tips and resources, visit world-today-news.com.
