Tag: online shopping advice

  • Fast fashion behemoth Shein got hit with a complaint alleging “dark patterns” manipulation, what are dark patterns?

    Fast fashion behemoth Shein got hit with a complaint alleging “dark patterns” manipulation, what are dark patterns?

    While already feeling the strain from strict tariffs mostly targeting China, Shein a leader in the fast fashion marketplace has been dealt another blow as the European Commission notified them recently of concerns that their website and app are manipulating shoppers with the use of so called “dark patterns”. What does this mean?

    Dark patterns or deceptive patterns are tricks used by websites and applications that are designed to get shoppers to do something they didn’t intend to do. Like signing up for a service, rushing them to check out before they’re ready, and trick wording as it relates to fees, data and more.

    One notable case of dark patterns manipulation resulting in a penalty to a company utilizing such practices is the case of Epic Games (famed Fortnite developer) vs the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). The FTC ordered Epic Games to pay a fine of $245 million for claims that the company tricked players into making unwanted purchases (including children purchasing without their parents knowledge or consent).

    So, what are some examples of dark patterns and how can consumers avoid them (and what recourse do you have if you think you’ve fallen victim)?

      1. Roach Motel
      • Description: Easy to sign up for a service but hard to cancel.
      • Example: Subscriptions that require calling customer service to cancel, even though you can sign up online instantly.
      1. Confirmshaming
      • Description: Guilt-tripping users into opting into something.
      • Example: A popup with options like:
        • ✅ “Yes, I want to save money”
        • ❌ “No, I prefer to pay full price”
      1. Hidden Costs
      • Description: Extra fees are added just before purchase.
      • Example: Tickets or online shopping carts that show a low price initially, but tack on fees or shipping costs at the last step.
      1. Forced Continuity
      • Description: Free trials that automatically turn into paid subscriptions without clear notice or reminders.
      • Example: You sign up for a “free 7-day trial,” but you’re billed automatically because you weren’t warned clearly or reminded.
      1. Trick Questions
      • Description: Wording that confuses users, often in checkboxes.
      • Example: “Uncheck this box if you do not want to receive marketing emails.”
      1. Preselected Options
      • Description: Options like add-ons or newsletter subscriptions are pre-ticked to push users toward choosing them.
      • Example: During checkout, boxes are already checked to add extra products or insurance.
      1. Bait and Switch
      • Description: The user sets out to do one thing, but something else happens.
      • Example: Clicking a “Download” button that installs unrelated software or takes you to a different page.
      1. Disguised Ads
      • Description: Ads that look like navigation buttons or content.
      • Example: A “Download” ad styled to look like a software download button on a file-sharing site.
      1. Nagging
      • Description: Constant prompts or interruptions that push you to complete a certain action.
      • Example: Apps that repeatedly prompt for a review or to enable notifications after you’ve already declined.
      1. Privacy Zuckering
      • Description: Tricking users into publicly sharing more information than they intended.
      • Example: Facebook-like settings where posts default to “Public” unless you explicitly change them.

    If you think you’ve encountered (or fallen victim) to any of these examples of dark patterns, you can report the website or application either via your State Attorney General, through the FTCs fraud division at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, or to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at 855-411-CFPB (2372).

    At Valley Techlogic we are staunch advocates for increased consumer awareness when it comes to online safety, and SAT (Security Awareness Training) is an included feature in all of our technology support plans. If you’re a California business owner and would like to learn more schedule a consultation with us today.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • 10 Holiday Shopping Tips for Safer Online Shopping

    10 Holiday Shopping Tips for Safer Online Shopping

    The holiday season is upon us and with Thanksgiving around the corner many are anticipating doing some holiday shopping the day after during Black Friday.

    In previous years stores seemed to open earlier and earlier, creeping into Thanksgiving itself to allow buyers who really wanted those deals to snatch them up before their competition (if they were willing to sacrifice some time with family). Many felt this was unfair to employees and with the pandemic that activity has been scaled back so now most businesses are closed on Thanksgiving.

    That doesn’t stop you from shopping on Thanksgiving if you want to however, with online buying growing in popularity year over year “Black Friday” sales occur all over the internet at a wide variety of retailers – and even a wide variety of dates outside of the traditional day after Thanksgiving.

    Still, the main event is typically when the best sales occur with retailers holding back their “door buster” items until midnight on Friday as they do in traditional retail spaces.

    If you’re going to be hitting up those sales this year we have 8 tips for safer shopping online while you do so, and two bonus tips related to getting the best deal while you’re at it.

    1. Make sure the URL is what you expect it to be. Phishing emails may try to take advantage of those looking to get a good deal by misdirecting you to a site with a similar URL that can collect your payment information. Look for any misspellings such as Paypale or Wallmart instead of Paypal and Walmart.
    2. The same goes for products that may be found on multiple vendors. Hint, no one is going to sell a top of the line laptop for $25. If a price seems like it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
    3. Even if the website is legit, the product might not be. Sites like Amazon or Ebay allow private vendors to sell on their site, and this sometimes includes scammers. Look out again for pricing that seems too good to be true or product reviews that don’t match the product you’re trying to buy.
    4. Also read the small print. You want to make sure you’re buying that Xbox you’ve been looking for, not just the box it comes in.
    5. As always, watch out for popups. If you’re browsing for a specific product a loved one requested you may hit sites that try to scam you with malicious software delivered via popups. Letting your browser block all popups unless specifically allowed is a good idea.
    6. Make sure the website is HTTPS not just HTTP. HTTPS is a layer of encryption that protects your payment information when checking out through a website.
    7. If you’re buying from a vendor you’ve never purchased from before, keep an eye on your bank or credit card account. You want to catch any potentially suspicious activity early so you can report it.
    8. Also look for online reviews. Using Trustpilot or just doing a Google search before buying is a good idea, it will help you avoid scams and retailers that are a nightmare to deal with.
    9. Bonus Tip: Use a browser extension like Honey or one your credit card or bank account offers to automatically apply coupons or even get cashback on purchases. Searching for coupon codes is a hassle, however do keep in mind they’re offering you these discounts in lieu of information on your purchase making habits.
    10. Bonus Tip: For Black Friday specifically you can see the deals major online retailers will have ahead of time in the circulars collected by com . That way you can strategically plan your online shopping before the clock hits midnight this Friday.

    Speaking of Black Friday, if you have been in the market for technology services for your business then look no further. We’re offering the best deal we have ever offered for new customers. In our last blog we listed four reasons to consider a service plan with Valley Techlogic. Here are four ways we will make switching easy in 2023.Click to view the full size version.Learn more about taking advantage of our Black Friday sale today.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, an IT service provider in Atwater, CA. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on Twitter at https://x.com/valleytechlogic.