Black Friday Is Coming. How to Tell a Real Deal From a Fake One

A minute of checking can save a lot of regret.

Every November, inboxes fill up with countdown timers and huge percentage-off banners. Some of those offers are genuinely good. Others are an ordinary price dressed up as a bargain. A few simple checks help tell them apart.

Check the price history

Price-tracking websites and browser extensions show how much a product has cost over the past few months. If the "was" price was only ever charged for a week, the saving is not what it seems.

Compare the exact model

Retailers sometimes sell special versions of popular products for big sales events. Compare the full model number, not just the product name, before deciding a price is the lowest.

Read the returns policy

A good deal from a seller with no clear returns policy can turn into an expensive mistake. Check how long you have to change your mind and who pays for return postage.

Pay with protection

Paying by credit card for purchases over £100 can give you extra protection if something goes wrong. Many debit cards and payment services also offer a way to dispute a purchase.

Be wary of copycat sites

If a website address looks slightly off, or the price is far below everywhere else, go to the brand's official site directly rather than following a link.