Scam Alert: E-Commerce Companies Using Misleading Discounts – How to Protect Yourself

Balasahana Suresh
New Delhi: Online shopping has made life easier, but recent reports indicate that some e-commerce platforms are misleading customers with false discount claims. Shoppers are often lured by massive discounts advertised on products, only to find the final price higher than expected, leaving many feeling cheated.

Common Tactics Used by E-Commerce Companies

Inflated Original Prices:

Products are shown with high “original prices” to make discounts appear larger.

Example: A ₹5,000 item may be displayed as ₹15,000 with a 70% discount, but the actual market price is closer to ₹5,000–₹6,000.

Conditional Discounts:

Some offers are valid only with specific bank cards, wallets, or minimum purchase amounts, which are not highlighted clearly.

Limited Stock or Phantom Offers:

Platforms create urgency with “Only 2 left at this price!” messages, even if the stock is abundant.

Some deals don’t exist at all and are just for attracting clicks.

Coupon Traps:

“Extra discounts” via coupons often require complex steps or minimum cart values, making it hard to actually avail the promised savings.

Price Fluctuations:

The displayed discount can change rapidly, especially during flash sales, misleading users about the actual savings.

How to Protect Yourself While Shopping Online

Compare Prices: Check multiple platforms or offline stores to verify the actual market price.

Check Product History: Use price tracking websites or browser extensions to see historical prices and detect inflated discounts.

Read Terms & Conditions: Look for hidden clauses in discount offers, like minimum purchase or specific payment methods.

Avoid Impulse Buying: Don’t get swayed by urgency tactics like “limited stock” or countdown timers.

Verify Coupons: Ensure promo codes are applied and valid before proceeding to checkout.

Regulatory Oversight

  • The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in india regulates misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices.
  • Customers can lodge complaints with the Consumer Forum or report fraudulent practices to the National Consumer Helpline (NCH).
  • E-commerce platforms are legally required to display accurate prices, discounts, and stock information.
Conclusion

While online shopping remains convenient, awareness is crucial. Misleading discounts, hidden terms, and fake urgency are common tactics used by unscrupulous sellers. By verifying prices, reading fine print, and comparing platforms, consumers can avoid being scammed and truly benefit from genuine online deals.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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