
With Black Friday approaching, the Defensoría del Consumidor is urging the public to verify the promotions and discounts advertised by businesses to avoid misleading advertising and protect their family budgets during the shopping season.
The agency explained that there are several signs that can alert consumers to a deceptive offer. These include advertising products that are unavailable, concealing terms or restrictions related to discounts, and using images that do not correspond to the actual items being sold.
Another practice shoppers should be wary of is when the applied discount is less than the advertised percentage. For example, a store might advertise a 40% discount, but at the time of purchase, the consumer receives a smaller discount than advertised, which can cause confusion and affect their purchasing decision.
The Agency also warned about promotions that include unavailable freebies or that subsequently generate additional charges. The agency also recommended checking that the products received match what was advertised and verifying that packages or combos include all the advertised items.
Furthermore, it advised caution with promotions that attribute benefits to certain products or services without technical or scientific backing to support those claims. This type of messaging can lead consumers to make purchases based on information that has not been properly verified.
To avoid falling for fake discounts, the agency recommended comparing prices before buying using its COMPARA portal. This tool allows users to check the prices of different products and stores, helping to determine if the advertised discount represents a real saving.
The agency also advised verifying that the sale price is indeed lower than the product’s original price and confirming that the discount percentage applied matches the one advertised by the retailer. The Defensoría del Consumidor reiterated the importance of reviewing promotional terms and conditions, comparing prices, and paying attention to advertising details before making any purchases during Black Friday, in order to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.
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