In the modern digital era, discounts and deals are everywhere. From online marketplaces to brick-and-mortar stores, businesses use fraud discounts to attract customers and boost sales. However, not all discounts are genuine—many are designed to mislead and manipulate consumers into believing they are getting a great deal. These deceptive tactics are commonly known as fraudulent discounts or “fruod discounts.”
While some discounts genuinely help customers save money, fraudulent discounts are crafted to create a false sense of urgency, encourage impulsive buying, or even trick people into purchasing counterfeit or overpriced products. If you’ve ever seen an ad that claims “80% OFF – Only for Today!” and felt tempted to buy, you might have been targeted by a misleading discount strategy.
This article will explore the world of fraudulent discounts, the techniques scammers use, how to identify them, and how to shop smartly without falling for such tricks.
Table of Contents
What Are Fraud Discounts?
Fraudulent discounts refer to deceptive marketing tactics where retailers manipulate prices, offers, and promotions to make consumers believe they are getting an exceptional deal. These tactics are commonly used by untrustworthy sellers and scam websites to trick people into spending more money than they should.
The primary goal of fraudulent discounts is psychological manipulation. Many consumers associate large discounts with great deals, assuming they are saving money. However, businesses often exploit this mindset by artificially inflating prices or using misleading marketing to create a false sense of urgency.
Common Types of Fraudulent Discounts
Understanding how these deceptive tactics work can help you avoid falling for them. Here are some of the most common types of fraudulent discount strategies used by scammers:
Inflated Original Prices
One of the most common fraudulent discount tactics is price inflation. In this method, the seller artificially raises the original price of a product before offering a discount. This makes the discount appear larger than it actually is.
Example :
A store lists a smartphone at an “original price” of $1,000 but claims to offer a 50% discount, bringing the price down to $500.
In reality, the phone was always sold for $500, and the original price was never real.
This tactic is commonly used in e-commerce websites, fashion brands, and electronics stores.
Fake Countdown Timers
Many online stores use countdown timers that say: “Only 3 Hours Left to Claim This Deal!” However, these timers often reset automatically when the page is refreshed or revisited.
This technique creates a false sense of urgency, making customers feel they must buy immediately before the deal expires. In reality, the discount remains active indefinitely.
Hidden Fees and Extra Charges
Some stores advertise massive discounts, but once customers reach the checkout page, they discover hidden costs such as:
- Excessive shipping fees
- Taxes and service charges
- Handling fees
For example, a website may advertise a $10 product with “Free Shipping”, but at checkout, it adds a $25 shipping charge, making the total cost higher than expected.
Counterfeit or Low-Quality Products
Fraudulent sellers often use fake discounts to sell low-quality or counterfeit products. They list luxury brands or expensive gadgets at unrealistically low prices, tricking customers into thinking they are getting an exclusive deal.
Some red flags include:
- The website lacks customer reviews or feedback.
- The product images appear edited or copied from legitimate sites.
- The product images appear edited or copied from legitimate sites.
- The seller refuses to provide a return or refund policy.
This scam is common in electronics, designer fashion, and luxury accessories.
“Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGO) Scams
While BOGO deals seem like a great way to save money, they are often misleading. Some stores:
- Double the price of the first item, making the “free” product meaningless.
- Sell low-quality or defective items under the BOGO deal.
- Apply strict conditions (e.g., forcing customers to buy expensive products to claim the offer).
Subscription Scams with Hidden Costs
Some discounts come with automatic subscription enrollments. Customers unknowingly sign up for recurring payments when they make a discounted purchase.
Example :
A website offers a $1 trial for a premium service, but after a month, it automatically charges $49.99 per month unless canceled.
The cancellation process is often complicated or hidden.
This scam is commonly seen in software services, online courses, and beauty products.
How to Identify Fraudulent Discounts
Now that you know the tricks scammers use, here’s how to spot and avoid fraudulent discounts:
Compare Prices on Multiple Websites
Before purchasing, check the product price on multiple websites. Use price comparison tools like:
- Google Shopping
- CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon price tracking)
- Honey Price Checker
If the discount is only available on one website, it might be fake.
Read Customer Reviews
Genuine products and stores have authentic customer reviews. Look for:
- Verified buyer reviews on trusted platforms (Amazon, Trustpilot, etc.).
- Customer images and videos to verify product quality.
- Negative reviews mentioning scams, fake products, or poor service.
Check the Seller’s Reputation
- Avoid websites with no contact information, vague return policies, or hidden terms.
- Research the store’s reputation on social media, forums, and review sites.
If the website is new or has little online presence, proceed with caution.
Analyze the Discount Percentage
If a discount seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical of discounts above 70%-90%, especially on premium products.
Watch Out for Fake Urgency Tactics
If a countdown timer resets when refreshed, the deal is likely fake.
If a website claims “Only 3 items left in stock!” but never changes, it’s a scam.
Verify Website Authenticity
To check if a website is legitimate:
- Look for HTTPS in the URL (secure websites use HTTPS).
- Check the domain age (New websites with no history are riskier).
- Avoid sites with lots of spelling errors and poor design.
How to Shop Smartly and Avoid Scams
Now that you can identify fraudulent discounts, follow these tips to shop safely:
Shop from Reputable Websites
Stick to well-known online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, or official brand websites.
Use Secure Payment Methods
- Avoid direct bank transfers or cryptocurrency payments.
- Use credit cards or PayPal for added security and refund options.
Read the Fine Print
Before making a purchase, always check:
- Return and refund policies
- Shipping fees and extra charges
- Subscription terms
Report Fraudulent Websites
If you come across a scam, report it to:
- Google Safe Browsing
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Your bank or payment provider
Final thought
Fraudulent discounts are designed to exploit consumer psychology, making people believe they are getting an exclusive deal when, in reality, they are overpaying or buying low-quality products. By understanding the tricks scammers use and taking precautions, you can shop smartly, avoid scams, and truly save money.
Before making any purchase, pause, research, and compare—because a real discount is one that actually benefits you!