In recent years, it has become popular for companies to offer percent-off discounts on everything sold on their online store

In recent years, it has become popular for companies to offer percent-off discounts on everything sold on their online store

“These sales are advertised as ‘limited time’ and ‘ending soon,’ but in reality, they are always available. Advertising in this way is deceptive and violates the consumer protection statutes of California and other states with strong consumer protection laws,” she added.

“But because they boost sales and allow sellers to charge higher prices, they remain very popular. Consumers who think they may have been victimized by a fake sale may contact a lawyer.”

The strategies fake discounters use

Breaking this ruse down, Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert and site manager  there are three fake discount methods companies or third-party sellers use:

Mark it up to Mark it Down: “Stores will raise the price a few weeks before putting it ‘on sale’ to make the illusion that it is a good deal to consumers,” she told ConsumerAffairs.

Percent Off Without Original Price: An item might be advertised as 75% off, but without knowing the original price, consumers can't determine the actual savings.