Black Friday can be a wonderful time of year to treat yourself to that new phone, or to get stuck into some early, discounted Christmas shopping. But with all the craze of sales, discounts and deals, it can be easy to become more susceptible to frauds and scams or rushing into buying something that impacts your wallet.
1. Delivery Phishing Scams
Beware of receiving messages saying you missed a delivery. Scammers are notorious for sending emails or texts. They often include a link in the message, hoping you will click it and enter your bank account details and other personal information. If you receive a message like this, be sure to delete it or ignore it. Do not open any links. If you believe the message is genuine, contact the company using their publicly listed phone number.
2. Beware of Pressure Tactics
When you jump onto a retailer’s website during big sales, you may stumble across bold claims such as “Selling fast!” or “only 3 left in stock!” These claims are purposefully included to pressure you to hit that buy now button. When you come across these claims, be sure to carefully consider whether you actually want or need this product. How will it contribute to your life? Take your time when shopping online, and don’t let these claims pressure you to purchase out of fear of missing out.
3. Scam Websites
Be sure to double check that you are on the official website of a retailer. Scammers may try to steal your money with duplicate websites. Check the website URL to make sure it’s the right one. It’s also a good idea to use a credit card where possible with your purchases so that you can have that extra layer of protection if something happens compared to a debit card.
4. Avoid Pay Later
While pay later options can be tempting, especially at this time of year, it isn’t always the healthiest option. If you miss a payment, you’ll be liable for default fees. These can add up, and really hurt your budget! It’s a good idea to buy within your means. A good tip to find better deals is to jump on PriceMe, and compare prices of the product you are after across retailers in Aotearoa. Chances are, you’ll find a more affordable option!
5. Think Twice About Promotions
Retailers can create promotions that lead consumers to believe they’re getting a deal, when they are not really. It’s a good idea to prepare for the sales and promotions advertised on Black Friday by checking their prices before the event. What is the price history of this product? You can jump on PriceMe to compare prices across different retailers ahead of time, so you are able to make informed decisions about your purchases when the Black Friday sales come around.
Compare Prices
A powerful way to shop smartly is to compare prices. PriceMe is designed to empower Kiwis to make better choices with their purchases, leveraging the magic of comparison. Easily compare prices, product descriptions, similar products, and customer reviews across a wide range of categories – from electronics and household appliances to kids toys and personal care. Whatever your objective is this Black Friday – treating yourself, home upgrades, or Christmas shopping – PriceMe will ensure a streamlined shopping experience, saving you money and time.
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