Online Reporter
Patience Maturure
Agriculture Reporter
THE Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)’s Competition Commission has implored consumers to be cautious of scams and inflated prices during Black Friday and festive season sales.
Many brands may falsely advertise discounts, sell fake or expired goods or have strict return policies.
A communique from COMESA advised consumers to check product quality and safety labels, shop from trusted retailers and official websites and compare prices to confirm discounts.
“Black Friday deals refer to special discounts and promotional offers provided by retailers during the holiday shopping season and it is known for massive price reductions on a wide range of products.
“The Commission cautions consumers that many brands may inflate prices in the lead-up to Black Friday and festive seasons, allowing them to advertise big discounts that in reality are not genuine,” reads the commuique.
Consumers are therefore advised to watch out for fake products, scams and think twice before splurging to avoid unnecessary spending.
“Anyone who has been affected by such conduct or has observed it should report it to the Commission or national authorities responsible for consumer protection,” read the communique.
The COMESA Competition Commission said it will penalise retailers engaging in false or misleading practices.
“The Commission hereby issues a warning to retailers operating in the Common Market who are found to engage in any of the aforementioned conduct, that they will be in breach of the COMESA Competition Regulations, specifically Articles 27 and 28, which prohibit false or misleading representation to consumers and unconscionable conduct respectively,” reads the communique.
