70% of sales announced in online shopping for Black Friday 2023 were false

Violations detected

In total, more than 800 discounted products were analyzed, advertised by 19 marketers from different sectors. The ministry noted several types of violations.

First of all, a reference price manipulation. 70% of the products did not comply with the regulations on the indications that must be made in prices, since the reference price (the one on which the discount should be indicated) was not the lowest in the last 30 dayswhich is what the law says.

It was also noted that price reductions due to codes or from coupons accessible to the general public, have been hacked by approximately 65%. Products were offered at a certain price, which was artificially raised, and discount coupons were provided, creating the perception that they were being priced at a bargain.

Moreover, in 50% of cases potentially misleading statement related to price, for example “today only” or “offer valid for the next 24 hours” when it was later revealed that it would cost the same in the following days.

Finally he saw misleading price comparison without using reference price. According to this study, it was and is common practice to use prices other than the reference price, such as retail, suggested price, or other similar prices, to create the impression that there has been a price drop.

Consumo added to this investigation another investigation that resulted in sanctions being imposed on eight e-commerce operators who allegedly engaged in similar practices during the last Black Friday.