7 Ways to Tell If a Sale Is Actually a Scam
Learn about 7 ways to spot fake deals before you waste your money.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
Not every discount is as good as it seems. Some sales are designed to trick you into spending more. Retailers and scammers alike use sneaky tactics to make fake deals look like must-have bargains. Here’s how to spot seven common red flags that signal a sale isn’t actually a good deal.
1. The “Original” Price Is Inflated
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Some stores raise prices right before a sale to make the discount seem bigger than it is. If an item is “50% off,” but the regular price was recently increased, you’re not actually saving money.
2. “Limited Time Only” Never Actually Ends
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If a sale claims to be for a “few hours” or “one day only” but keeps getting extended, it’s likely a gimmick. Retailers use fake urgency to pressure you into buying before you realize the deal isn’t special.
3. Prices Are Cheaper Elsewhere
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Just because an item is labeled as a “sale” doesn’t mean it’s the best price. Always compare with other retailers to see if the supposed deal is actually competitive.
4. There’s a Catch in the Fine Print
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Some sales have hidden fees, strict return policies, or extra conditions that make the deal less appealing. For example, free shipping might only apply to large orders, or a discount may only apply to select items.
5. Flashy Ads and Over-the-Top Promises
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Scam sales use exaggerated claims like “BEST DEAL EVER” or “GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE” to lure you in. Legitimate discounts don’t need excessive hype to be worth your money.
6. The Website Looks Shady or Unfamiliar
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If a deal pops up on an unknown website, check for red flags like poor design, missing contact info, or no customer reviews. Scam sites often steal product images from real retailers but never actually deliver the goods.
7. “Buy More to Save More” Tricks You Into Overspending
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Retailers love pushing deals like “Spend $100 to get 20% off” to make you buy more than you originally planned. If you weren’t going to spend that much in the first place, you’re not actually saving money.