In anticipation of the upcoming Black Friday sales, Nigerians have been cautioned by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to be wary of fraudulent online retailers.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, issued an advisory statement on Thursday, highlighting the Commission’s expectation of a 135% increase in fake internet retailers.
Irukera urged Nigerians to exercise caution and advised them to limit their online shopping to trustworthy and reputable sources to meet their needs securely. The statement emphasized the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumers from scams, misrepresentation, and other exploitative practices during the Black Friday sales.
“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has received credible intelligence that the customary seasonal sales at deep discounts on a specific Friday, otherwise known as ‘Black Friday,’ may witness an increase of fake online stores by 135%, including scams, misrepresentation, and other exploitative conduct. This information is corroborated by publicly available reports such as Netcraft,” warned Irukera in the statement.
The Commission encouraged consumers to be vigilant and discerning during this period, emphasizing their right to demand full and transparent disclosures from online retailers. As Nigeria gears up for the renowned Black Friday sales in November, the FCCPC’s advisory aims to protect consumers from falling victim to deceptive practices.
Black Friday sales officially commenced on November 24–27, following the United States Thanksgiving holiday. As shoppers eagerly seek discounts, the FCCPC’s warning serves as a timely reminder to prioritize safety and reliability when engaging in online transactions during this popular shopping event.
