The Better Business Bureau reminds shoppers of Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams, mindful that COVID-19 is sending more individuals online where attractive fake websites may lurk. Beware when using internet commerce! Be a savvy internet user during the holidays and every day.
Naperville resident Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois, reminds shoppers that Black Friday, traditionally the single busiest shopping day of the year, will look a bit different in 2020.
Bernas notes in a news release, “Instead of setting the alarm to brave crowds live in stores for deeply discounted items, dedicated shoppers will be looking for deals online.”
Fears of the pandemic and even tighter business restrictions and challenges in Illinois will make shopping online and gift cards, etc., more popular than ever.
This year, retailers, both brick and mortar and online, ramped up early sales efforts to attract shoppers. Still, consumers surveyed said they will be looking for Black Friday and Cyber Monday special deals being offered.
According to the National Retail Federation, individuals are predicted to spend just under $1,000 this holiday season on gifts. With the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, recent new Illinois guidelines, this amount is slightly less than the 2019 holiday season.
Bernas adds, “Most of us have already seen the sales that have been promoted for this Christmas shopping season. However, it remains to be seen whether the early start is beneficial for consumers.”
When shopping for deals online, beware of fake websites
Cyber Monday will require additional caution. Many new electronic items on the market are very expensive, and sending scammers money can be a very costly mistake. “Fakwie” websites are easy to create and have been a surging problem reported to the BBB the past couple of years. Often you order, they take your money and then vanish.
Bernas adds, “Everyone looking for a deal needs to make sure those deals are real; whether you are online or shopping in a store, consumers should take steps to protect themselves. Past studies have shown that the prices advertised as Black Friday savings can often be found for the same price at other times of the year, which negates any real deal.”
Black Friday Tips, also good any day
If you do decide to shop on Black Friday, Better Business Bureau offers these tips to make your shopping experience productive and maybe even enjoyable:
Stay Safe. Follow CDC guidelines to healthy and safe while in the store.
Know Who You’re Doing Business With. Fake Websites are easy to create and have been a surging problem for the past couple of years.
Do your research. Read product reviews on extremely discounted items. It could be a cheaper model or brand advertised, and not what was expected. Check BBB.org for Business Profiles for ratings and reviews of the stores to see who you are dealing with and read what other customers’ have experienced.
Make the most of Black Friday deals. Start with a list of items and use sale flyers and promotions to determine which store has the best price. Set a budget and stick with it.
Read the fine print. Some retailers may offer an additional percentage off the purchase but could exclude specific deals or items such as “doorbusters.” Watch for companies boasting a high percentage off; the item may be “75% off,” but the original price could be inflated. Carefully check the price tags, terms, and conditions. Research online using a secure wifi connection to see if competitors have the item at a better price.
Plan your shopping. Especially this year, retailers will release Black Friday flyers ahead of time so that consumers can plan out their shopping spree. Make a list of the items of the highest interest and what items are at which store. Some retailers only honor sale ads during a specific time frame or on certain days and could limit the amount of deeply discounted items available for purchase.
Sign-up for email alerts. Many stores release their best Black Friday deals and exclusive coupons to people who have subscribed to their emails.
Know the return policy and warranty information. Pass along any information about returns, exchanges, repairs, and warranties to the person who will use the item. Gift receipts are an easy way for recipients to return or exchange a gift if it’s not just right, but make sure the item can be returned before purchasing.
Gift Cards could be even more popular this year. Ensure you know the expiration dates and check if they are offering more extended time periods to redeem them because of Covid -19.
Look for the “https” in the URL (the extra “s” is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar. Never enter payment or information into a website with only “http” – it is NOT secure.
Beware of making quick purchases while scrolling through social media. Scammers have access to tools they need to learn about your buying habits, offering precisely what you want at enticingly low prices, and scammers often purchase on-line ads.
Use a secure traceable form of payment. Using a credit card, you’re less likely to lose money.
Visit BBB.org to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, report a scam, read tips, follow us on social media, and more!
Report bad ads to BBB AdTruth.
ABOUT BBB®: BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois is a nonprofit organization that has served both consumers and trustworthy businesses for over 93 years and is a part of the IABBB. We help protect consumers from scams and provide an extensive free database for consumers to see business ratings and reviews. We help promote trustworthy businesses and strive to provide tools to help businesses of integrity excel.
Report submitted by Steve J. Bernas, President & CEO, Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois
Editor’s Note: Search this website for “SCAM” and you’ll find the Naperville Police Department and BBB have sent plenty of good advice for all ages over the years. Help keep bogus offers out of Naperville. Shop locally in support of a business you know.
