Tips for Safe Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping from the Consumer Ombudsman
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals approach, the Independent Authority “Consumer Ombudsman” reminds consumers to be especially careful and well informed before making purchases. According to the Authority's announcement, the surge in shopping activity can create fertile ground for misleading or unfair commercial practices (source: Independent Authority “Consumer Ombudsman”).
Main risks consumers should watch for: - Misleading discounts — Sellers may inflate pre-discount prices so the advertised discount percentage appears larger than it really is. - Unclear product information — Especially online, incomplete descriptions can lead consumers to buy items that do not meet expectations or needs. - Hidden charges and shipping fees — Final prices may include extra fees that were not shown up front. - Delivery delays or inability to deliver — Increased demand can cause delays or failure to deliver orders without timely notice to the buyer. - Unsafe transactions on dubious websites — Sites lacking proper certification or complete contact details pose fraud risks.
Recommendations from the Independent Authority “Consumer Ombudsman” and the European Consumer Centre Greece: - Check the previous price — Verify that the pre-discount price is genuine by looking for price history and comparing offers. - Pay attention to purchase and return terms — Review return, cancellation and exchange policies. For online purchases, the 14-day withdrawal (right of cancellation) applies. - Use secure payment methods — Ensure the website uses a secure connection (https and SSL certificate). - Confirm retailer reliability — Look for clear contact details, a physical address and full legal information; check real user reviews. - Resist impulse buying — High visibility and time-limited “flash” offers often trigger impulsive decisions. Buy only what you truly need. - Verify product availability — Ask for confirmation of stock, particularly for expensive items or stores with limited inventory.
The Consumer Ombudsman encourages shoppers to approach promotions with information and critical judgment. If consumers encounter disputes with suppliers, they can file a complaint with the Independent Authority “Consumer Ombudsman” via its official website.
