Helping you spot and avoid sneaky sales tactics
These days you can buy almost anything online. But not everything is always as it seems. Some retailers use sneaky sales tactics to dupe you into parting with your money – often before you’ve had a chance to properly think it through. We’ve turned the online marketplace into a real street market to show you exactly what’s happening – and help you shop more confidently.
Take a stroll down Rip-Off Road…
Look out for hidden charges
Unexpected compulsory fees, taxes or charges can often catch you by surprise. The total amount you’re charged might creep up as you get closer to checkout, as extra costs are bolted on to the original price. Avoid this by treating advertised prices with caution and checking you’re happy with the final amount. Shop around for the best deal and walk away if you need to.
Hidden Charges Tip-Offs
Think twice if you feel pressured
Some retailers might try to rush you into paying. Sites will say that stock is low, lots of people are looking right now, or that it’s only available for a limited time. This isn’t always true. So compare prices and availability on other sites, and ignore sales tactics that pressure you.
Pressure Selling Tip-Offs
Avoid subscription traps
Introductory offers are meant to be attractive. But some are too good to be true. They can mislead you into signing up for an unwanted subscription that can be difficult to get out of. Always check the terms of the deal. Know exactly what you’re signing up to, when your subscription will renew and how many hoops you need to jump through to unsubscribe.
Subscription Traps Tip-Offs
Be aware of fake reviews
Some businesses pay or reward people for positive reviews. So don’t believe everything you read. Fake reviews are difficult to spot. Try reading the negatives as well as positives, find reviews on multiple sites, and look for specific details instead of generic remarks. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Fake Reviews Tip-Offs
Need a little help?
Citizens Advice, Consumer Council Northern Ireland and Advice Direct Scotland are the advice organisations that you can go to for further support regarding misleading online practices.
In England and Wales you can speak to Citizens Advice advisors to talk through and report a misleading online sales practice via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.
Citizens Advice also provide additional guidance on misleading online practices on its website.