Apps Expose Black Friday Scams and Help Consumers Save Big

As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are gearing up for significant savings during events like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. This year, Thanksgiving falls on November 27, 2025, marking the beginning of these retail campaigns. However, shoppers face the challenge of avoiding misleading discounts often referred to as “fake discounts.” To navigate this landscape, applications such as Capital One Shopping, CamelCamelCamel, and SlickDeals have emerged to assist consumers in making informed purchasing decisions.

The days leading up to Thanksgiving are not just about family gatherings; they also signal the start of a shopping frenzy. Retail companies leverage these dates to attract customers with attractive offers. Black Friday, occurring the day after Thanksgiving, is particularly notable for its extensive sales, followed by Small Business Saturday, which encourages shoppers to support local businesses, and Cyber Monday, dedicated to online deals.

One of the primary concerns for consumers is discerning whether the discounts advertised by retailers are genuine. Many retailers might present inflated prices as discounts, making it essential for shoppers to verify the actual price history of products. Apps like Capital One Shopping allow users to track prices over time, ensuring that the discounts they see are real. This feature is invaluable during the holiday season when time is of the essence.

As technology continues to evolve, tools for responsible shopping have become more accessible. Alongside Capital One Shopping, other notable apps include CamelCamelCamel, Keepa, Miel, and SlickDeals. These applications provide historical pricing data, helping consumers identify whether they are indeed getting a good deal. Notably, Amazon offers its own tool, the Amazon Assistant, which aids in comparing prices while shopping on its platform.

In addition to leveraging these applications, responsible shopping practices are crucial for maximizing savings. Shoppers are encouraged to plan their purchases ahead of time, which can help avoid last-minute impulse buying that often leads to spending more. Last-minute purchases not only increase costs but can also incur higher shipping fees. Thoughtful shopping can prevent consumers from accumulating unnecessary items that quickly clutter their homes.

Another strategy for maintaining budgetary control is to consider local purchasing options. In light of recent tariffs affecting product prices, buying from local businesses can not only support the community but also help consumers save money.

As the holiday shopping season draws near, consumers can take advantage of these technological tools and strategies to ensure they are getting true value for their money. With applications designed to expose misleading discounts and encourage responsible spending, shoppers can approach the holiday season with confidence and financial prudence.