Black Friday Shopping: A Day of Heightened Risk for UK Consumers
As Black Friday sweeps across the United Kingdom, consumers are being urged to exercise extreme caution. Retailers have wholeheartedly adopted America's traditional post-Thanksgiving spending spree, launching a barrage of special offers designed to lure shoppers to checkout.
However, experts warn the public needs to stay sharp for two critical reasons: the growing threat of sophisticated online fraud and the risk of unscrupulous retailers offering misleading special offers.
The Dual Threat: Fraud and Misleading Promotions
On the fraud front, the situation is more perilous than ever. The rise of AI technology is making it increasingly difficult for shoppers to distinguish genuine retail websites from convincing fakes. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) had previously warned people to remain on high alert in the run-up to today.
Jonathon Ellison, the NCSC's director for national resilience, explained: "This is a time when cyber criminals seek to exploit our increased spending, using trusted brands, popular products, and current events to deceive people into clicking malicious links or sharing personal and financial information."
Shoppers are advised to be immediately suspicious of any unrealistic prices or requests for direct bank transfers, stopping the moment a purchase appears dubious.
Black Friday 'Deals': The Harsh Reality Exposed
Beyond outright fraud, the value of Black Friday promotions themselves is under scrutiny. A comprehensive survey by consumer group Which? has uncovered a stark truth about the much-hyped discounts.
The research, which tracked 175 items from eight major retailers over the year to May, found that 83% of products advertised as Black Friday deals were the same price or even cheaper at other times of the year.
Which? retail editor Reena Sewraz stated: "Our research exposes the harsh truth: for the majority of shoppers, Black Friday is a false economy. Retailers are relying on hype and urgency to push products that are the same price, or even cheaper, at other times of the year."
She advised: "There are good deals to be found but they can be few and far between. Our advice is simple: take your time, don't be fooled by clever marketing and do your research."
The Shift from Physical Scuffles to Digital Dangers
Black Friday has transformed dramatically from a decade ago, when chaotic scenes of early morning fights between bargain hunters forced store closures and required police intervention over discounted electrical goods.
Today, the event has become predominantly an online operation, shifting the risks from physical altercations to digital dangers. Whether shopping online or on the high street, consumers are advised to maintain a healthy skepticism toward all cut-price offerings.
