11. How to Identify Fake or Manipulated Deals
Jason Chen warns shoppers that a shocking percentage of deals are misleading.
Signs a deal is fake:
- The “original price” is artificially inflated.
- Only one retailer offers a huge discount while others do not.
- Reviews appear suspiciously generic or repetitive.
- The product is “made for Black Friday.”
- Specifications differ from the standard model.
- Bundles include low-quality accessories.
How to protect yourself:
- Read long-form reviews, not just star ratings.
- Compare the exact model number — not similar ones.
- Check historical lows on price tracking platforms.
- Avoid brands with minimal online presence.
- Don’t trust timers counting down 5 minutes — many reset automatically.
Jason calls this the “deal defense system,” and says every shopper should follow it carefully.
