Bargain or trap? How to protect yourself in online shopping!

Bargain or trap? How to protect yourself in online shopping!

In the exciting pre-Christmas season, the discount campaigns sprout like mushrooms out of the ground! Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday curls with tempting offers, but caution is advised! The Brandenburg consumer center warns of fraudulent shops that want to lure unsuspecting buyers into the trap. Michèle Scherer, digital expert at VZB, gives valuable tips on how to differentiate real bargains from nasty fake offers.

"Don't let high discounts and countdown watches blind!" Calls Scherer. Instead of buying impulsive, consumers should be prepared well in the inside. A list of the desired products helps to keep an overview and avoid unnecessary expenses. "Watch the prices over a longer period of time to see if it is really a bargain," recommends the expert. Price search engines are a useful tool to find the best offers.

protection against fraudulent online shops

The danger lurks everywhere! Fake shops that offer non-existent goods at exaggerated prices are particularly active. Buyers who pay in advance are often there without goods and without money. "Always check exactly who is behind the offer!" Warns Scherer. If an imprint is missing or there are no clear contact options, you should immediately keep your fingers from the tempting offer. VZB also offers a fake shop finder who quickly creates clarity.

also be careful with invoices and shipping notifications that flutter into the email inbox after the discount days. Again and again the consumer advice center receives complaints about unauthorized payment requests that aim to get the data or the money from consumers: inside. The Brandenburg consumer center is available for individual questions to offer support.