As shoppers go on the hunt for online deals during Black Friday week, Worcestershire Trading Standards is sharing advice on how consumers can stay safe and avoid getting less than they bargained for.
The sales promotion, which originated in the US as a way of enticing shoppers into stores on the day after Thanksgiving with discounts and special offers, has spread to the UK in recent years. It has also extended from a day-long event to a week-long retail tradition, and is as popular online as it is with bricks-and-mortar stores.
Most of the retailers participating in Black Friday use it as a way of shifting stock and gaining sales momentum in the run-up to Christmas; however, the promotion has also been seized on by scammers looking for a way to exploit consumers in pursuit of a bargain.
In light of that, Worcestershire Trading Standards is urging shoppers to be on the look-out for scams in disguise, warning that many bogus websites appear at this time of year and advertise on social media. The team advises shoppers to:
- Use online retailers you know and trust. Look at their reviews on independent websites and ask friends and family.
- Always use a secure form of payment to buy things; never simply transfer money to someone’s account. If you use a credit card for purchases over £100 you will get extra consumer protection.
- Watch out for counterfeit goods, which can be unsafe. They’re not always easy to spot but if something is very cheap and being offered on a platform one wouldn’t expect to see such products, don’t buy it.
Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member for Communities at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We know people will be shopping from their sofas as they look to find the best bargains. However, some bargains really are too good to be true. It’s really important customers keep themselves cyber safe and fully understand their rights as a consumer so they can protect themselves if a purchase doesn’t go to plan.”
Consumers who have made a purchase with which they have a problem are advised:
- When you shop online you have a 14-day cooling-off period to change your mind and return or cancel most goods or services purchased online from a UK or EU trader.
- You may have to pay to return unwanted items.
- If something you buy is faulty or was mis-described you have 30 days to return it and claim a refund.
- After 30 days you must allow the retailer to repair or replace it first. These rights apply when buying online or in-store.
