The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it has received credible intelligence that the customary seasonal sales at deep discount on a specific Friday, otherwise known as “Black Friday“, may witness an increase of fake online stores by 135%.
The FCCPC raised the alarm on Thursday in an advisory signed by its Executive Vice Chairman, Babatunde Irukera.
This is expected to include Black Friday scams, misrepresentation and other exploitative conduct.
This information is corroborated by publicly available reports such as Netcraft.
The Commission advises consumers to be vigilant and discerning in this period and to demand and insist on their rights, particularly with respect to full and transparent disclosures.
Consumers should only patronise trusted and credible platforms and exercise caution to avoid being victims of fraud and other exploitation.