The holidays are upon us, happening both in traditional brick-and-mortar retail as well as in the eCommerce arenas. And while consumers will be clamoring to take advantage of some amazing deals, considering the amount of money involved, unsurprisingly, this also brings criminals to the game.
The mechanisms behind these shopping events, especially in the online world, trigger some of the most basic human feelings. Some retailers limit the number of available products, or the timeframe for which the discounted price applies. This can cause stress, but it also triggers the risk-taker inside many of us. Just think about it – do you really want to be the one that has missed an opportunity, the one that has been left out? There is no better feeling than managing to score a good deal. Who doesn’t want to feel good, especially in times like this, when the world is facing dramatic changes?
But in all this excitement, we leave ourselves vulnerable to falling for scams or getting duped more easily. Scammers prey on the ‘vulnerable’ by mimicking legitimate retailers and creating a sense of urgency and an environment for the individual to act immediately, lest they miss out. Taking this into account, before you click on that next amazing deal, take just a few minutes to ask yourself:
- Who are you dealing with?
Who is offering the product? Is this a known retailer/e-commerce platform you have been using in the past? Be mindful of platforms that allow 3rd parties to sell and always make sure you know who the final merchant is. - Is this really a bargain?
It is very hard to understand if the offer is really a bargain. Try to prepare in advance if you plan a purchase. Study the prices and the market to understand if this is really a good deal. - Am I in the right mindset?
You need to be prepared. You need to be relaxed. Avoid adding the excitement to a stressful day, as this may impair your decision making.
The holidays can and should be a fun event and you may find one or more great deals. However, don’t let your guards down when indulging in a great shopping event. Happy (and Safe) shopping!
