Most discounts are real. Some aren’t, and they tend to follow a few recognizable patterns. Here’s how to spot each one and what to check.
Inflated “was” prices
What it looks like: a large percentage off a reference price the item rarely sold at.
Check: price history. If the reference price barely appears on the chart, ignore the percentage and judge the current price on its own.
Look-alike models
What it looks like: a well-known product name at an unusually low price, but with a different model number.
Check: compare full spec sheets side by side. Sale-specific versions can be legitimate, but you should know what you’re getting.
Drip pricing
What it looks like: a low headline price, with fees added at checkout.
Check: go to the final checkout screen before deciding. Compare totals, not list prices.
Fake urgency
What it looks like: countdown timers that reset when you reload, or “only 2 left!” messages that never change.
Check: reload the page or open it in a private window. A real deadline doesn’t reset.
Bundles that add filler
What it looks like: “$200 of extras included”, where the extras are low-value accessories.
Check: value only the parts you’d buy separately. Our gaming bundle method works for any bundle.
Impostor sites and messages
What it looks like: a text or ad linking to a site that looks like a major retailer, with prices far below everyone else, or a request to pay with gift cards.
Check: type the store’s address yourself. Legitimate stores don’t ask you to pay with gift cards. Report scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
The FTC’s consumer advice site has official guidance on online shopping and scams.