Most of us love a good deal. From Black Friday and Cyber Monday to year-round flash sales, retailers are constantly trying to entice us with discounts and limited-time offers. However, as a consumer you should be aware that some companies have been accused of using deceptive tactics in order to create a false sense of urgency, and thus pressure consumers into making purchases.
One such tactic is the use of fake countdown clocks and other marketing techniques to create the illusion of a limited-time offer or sale. So in order to protect your consumer rights and help you understand the nuances, we will use this blog post to take a closer look at the issue of fake sales and discounts, and also explore how class action lawsuits can help hold companies accountable for their deceptive practices.
Fake Countdown Clocks
These countdown timers are among some of the most common methods that companies use to pressure consumers into purchases. The fake clocks can be difficult to distinguish from the real ones, and due to the time pressure many consumers fall into this trap. It is easy to get anxious and scared of losing out when you see the seconds ticking by rapidly.
One easy way to spot the most simple implementations of these fake countdown clocks is to simply reload the page, or visit the site on another browser/device. If you see the countdown clock have a different value, then you might be looking at a fake countdown clock. Oftentimes they will reset every time you refresh the page or visit the site again, creating the illusion that time is running out when in fact, the sale may continue indefinitely.
Fake Sales or Discounts
Another commonly used deceptive method that companies use to entice consumers, is the practice of fake sales or discounts. This is referring to instances where a company will artificially raise the price of a certain product in a period leading up to the “sale”, and then lower their price significantly, making it look like a good deal.
But when you dig deeper down, often you will find that the discounted price is not that great when looking at the MSRP or prices at competitive retailers, and you might even just be paying the regular price without any real discounts. This is not only fraudulent but also morally wrong, and luckily there are certain things you as a consumer can do to combat this.
Class Action Lawsuits
You might have heard about these types of lawsuits in other connections, but it is actually one of your best options when it comes to fighting large corporations engaging in fake countdown clocks or discounts.
This is because you are not the only person affected by these fraudulent practices, and as such can band together with many other consumers in order to leverage the power of the many. By pooling their resources and sharing the costs of litigation, consumers can take on powerful corporations and hold them accountable for their actions.
Consumer Advice
While a countdown clock might at first sight seem legitimate, you should be careful as a consumer not to let a fake countdown clock pressure you into making a purchase. Take your time and make an informed decision. If possible try to look at the price on other websites, to see if you really are getting a good deal.
If you believe you have been the victim of a fake sale or discount, you may have legal options at your disposal. Consider contacting a consumer protection lawyer such as ourselves, in order to explore your options and learn how you can be made whole again.
