If a Labor Day sale seems too good to be true, it probably is.
With many brands flaunting their markdowns this weekend, it can be tempting to purchase an item that has been on your wish list – but it is important to approach the sale with a hint of scrutiny.
To ensure your hard-earned dollars aren’t swindled, experts have weighed in on what to look out for to protect yourself.
Potential red flags that a website isn’t legitimate include obvious spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and a push for buyers to purchase immediately.
Clayton LiaBraaten, Senior Executive Advisor at Truecaller, told ConsumerAffairs that Labor Day sales carry a ‘golden opportunity’ for some to exploit ‘human tendencies toward optimism and the hunt for a good deal.’
LiaBraaten urged shoppers to remember that if a price seems ‘too good to be true,’ it likely is.
‘That brand-new television at 90 percent off isn’t a doorbuster deal, it’s bait,’ he warned.
He added that if a URL has spelling errors or gets the store name wrong, it could be a scam website.
To ensure your hard-earned dollars aren’t swindled, experts have weighed in on what to look out for to protect yourself (stock image)
‘Look for “https” rather than merely “http” – that “s” represents secure encryption,’ he shared.
LiaBraaten said to verify the actual domain name and get someone else to check it.
‘Amazon.com is legitimate. Amazom.com is not,’ he used as an example. ‘These differences can be subtle, but they’re never accidental.’
LiaBraaten added that badly designed websites are a reliable indicator the platform isn’t legitimate.
The Senior Executive Advisor reminded shoppers to also look at the contact information available – reminding consumers businesses will have the details readily available with customer service numbers and physical addresses.
Trend Micro also listed some signs to look out for, urging customers to verify the legitimacy of a retailer and their website before giving important information.
‘Don’t use links or buttons from unknown sources,’ the site suggested.
Potential red flags a website isn’t legitimate include obvious spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and a push for buyers to purchase immediately (stock image)
‘Verify any giveaway campaigns and shopping promotions directly through the official website or customer service,’ they said.
Additionally, the site encouraged shoppers to use secure payment options PayPal for added consumer protection.
If you have made a purchase on a sketchy website, they said to contact your bank or credit card company to report the charges immediately.
At the end of the day, LiaBraaten encouraged shoppers to ‘trust their gut’ when it comes to potential scams.
‘Remember that vigilance need not mean paranoia, and skepticism need not prevent participation,’ he said.
‘After all, in an age where artificial intelligence can mimic human communication with uncanny accuracy, our very human capacity for critical thinking becomes not just useful but essential,’ he warned.
