Be Cautious with Black Friday Offers: One in Four Austrians Falls for Scammers

This year, many consumers are eagerly awaiting the offers around "Black Friday." However, on the most profitable day of the year, the risk of becoming a victim of internet fraud also increases. This year's representative e-commerce study by the Austrian E-Commerce Quality Mark (N = 1,015) shows: One in four has already encountered fraudulent offers while online shopping around such promotional days.

For some, a purchase must be well-researched, while others like to make spontaneous purchases. No matter how different the shopping preferences of Austrians may be, they have one thing in common: they love good deals. Over 80 percent specifically use discount promotions like "Black Friday" to snag bargains online. This is one of the findings of this year's study by the Austrian E-Commerce Quality Mark on online shopping in Austria and the topic of bargain hunting on the internet.

A Quarter of Austrians Have Already Encountered Fraudsters

Not only reputable online retailers prepare for the rush on "Black Friday," but criminals also specifically exploit the increased willingness to buy. With sophisticated traps, they try to get their victims' money. A quarter of respondents (24.8%) state that they have already encountered such fraudulent offers around promotional days.

The Cheaper, the More Cautious You Should Be

Thorsten Behrens, Managing Director of the Austrian E-Commerce Quality Mark, advises: "Whether counterfeit products, inferior goods, or even fake online shops that deliver nothing at all: Around 'Black Friday,' we experience a rapid increase in fraudulent offers on the internet. In principle, the cheaper an online offer appears, the more cautious you should be. The Austrian E-Commerce Quality Mark helps to identify trustworthy online shops and enables safe and customer-friendly shopping even on Black Friday."

What Austrians Buy on Black Friday

Especially in the cold season, many people prefer to reach for their laptop or smartphone instead of plunging into the hustle and bustle of stores. For about a third of Austrians (31%), this convenience is the decisive reason for online shopping on promotional days. Christmas shopping is particularly popular: 30 percent of respondents specifically use discount promotions to buy gifts for Christmas Eve.

But not only gifts for others are in focus. Many also use the offers to treat themselves. Particularly in demand are fashion items such as clothing, shoes, and accessories (44%) as well as electronic entertainment devices (39%). Household items are also popular: both practical (35%) and decorative items (17%) are frequently purchased on promotional days. Around 90 percent wait for promotions like "Black Friday" to buy electronic goods.

There is also a high willingness to postpone purchases in other product categories. Jewelry (88%), children's items (83%), as well as power tools and DIY supplies (83%) are also preferably bought when attractive offers are available.

Discount Promotions Create Pressure

Many consumers benefit financially from online shopping on promotional days. Over half of the respondents (53%) have already had positive experiences - for example, through significant price reductions or exclusive offers that would not be available outside of such promotional days.

However, the allure of saving also has its downsides. The time limitation of many offers creates noticeable pressure for many online shoppers. More than a third (35%) state that they buy products and services online on promotional days because the discounts are only available for a short time. Only 14 percent of respondents are fundamentally not influenced by such promotions.

Thorsten Behrens advises: "Those who fear missing out on a supposed bargain often make less considered decisions. This increases the risk of bad purchases. Therefore, it is sensible to think in advance about what purchases you want to make and to monitor prices. Those who also commit early to trustworthy online shops can remain calm even on promotional days."

The representative study for Austrian internet users by the Austrian E-Commerce Quality Mark was conducted by Marketagent.com in September 2025 through an online survey of 1,015 Austrians aged between 14 and 79 years.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.