How to Spot a Fake Online Sale: The Ultimate Guide
With major sales like The Big Billion Days and Great Indian Festival happening multiple times a year, it’s easy to get caught in the hype. But are you actually saving money?
Here is how you can spot a fake online sale and protect your wallet.
1. The ‘Inflated MRP’ Trick
Retailers often increase the MRP (Maximum Retail Price) just before a sale to make the discount look bigger.
Example: A pair of shoes normally priced at ₹1,999 is listed with an “MRP” of ₹4,999 and a “Sale Price” of ₹1,899. The 60% discount looks amazing, but you’re only saving ₹100.
2. Fake Scarcity and Timers
Ever see a timer saying “Ends in 05:00” or a label saying “Only 2 items left”? While sometimes true, many sites use these as “Dark Patterns” to pressure you into a quick purchase. If the timer resets when you refresh the page, it’s fake.
3. Review Manipulation
Watch out for products with thousands of 5-star reviews but very few detailed comments. Many cheap brands use “Review Boosting” services. Always filter by “Verified Purchase” and check the 1-star and 2-star reviews to see the real problems.
4. Unrealistic ‘Loot’ Ads
If you see an ad for an iPhone 15 at ₹9,999 on a random website, it is a scam. Genuine loot deals happen on trusted platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Tata CLiQ. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
5. Check the ‘Sold By’ Section
Even on big platforms, check who the seller is. If it’s a new seller with zero ratings offering a massive discount, be cautious. Stick to ‘Appario Retail’, ‘Cloudtail’ (now various names), or ‘RetailNet’ for the safest experience.
How Dealshub Helps
We filter through thousands of items to find Genuine Low Prices. We ignore the flashy percentages and look at the actual historical data to ensure you’re getting a real deal.
Stay Safe, Shop Smart
Knowledge is your best weapon against deceptive marketing. Bookmark our blog for more tips on staying safe in the world of online shopping!