Cheap Deal Trap: Hidden Charges at Checkout Can Turn Online Shopping Into a Costly Mistake, Consumer Alert Issued
Online shopping has become a daily habit for millions of consumers, but the promise of “cheap deals” is increasingly turning into a financial trap. A fresh warning issued under the government-backed consumer awareness initiative Jago Grahak Jago highlights a growing concern: many companies are allegedly luring customers with low advertised prices and then adding hidden charges at the final payment stage. This practice, experts say, amounts to misleading pricing and can lead to direct consumer fraud if buyers are not careful.
Low Price First, Higher Bill at the End
According to the consumer awareness platform, several e-commerce websites and online service providers are using a tactic often referred to as “drip pricing.” Under this method, the initial price of a product, service, or ticket is displayed as unusually low to attract customers. However, as the buyer proceeds towards checkout, additional charges such as convenience fees, handling charges, processing fees, or other mandatory costs are gradually added.
By the time the customer reaches the final payment screen, the total amount payable is significantly higher than the price that first caught their attention. What appeared to be a bargain deal often turns out to be much more expensive, leaving consumers frustrated and feeling misled.
A Direct Hit on Consumer Trust
Consumer rights experts believe that this pricing strategy directly undermines trust. Shoppers typically make purchase decisions based on the price displayed upfront. When hidden charges appear at the last step, customers are often placed under psychological pressure to complete the transaction, especially if they have already invested time in comparing options and filling in details.
In many cases, consumers hesitate to cancel the purchase at the final stage, fearing they might lose the deal or waste their effort. This pressure can force them into paying more than they originally planned, affecting personal budgets and leading to dissatisfaction.
Experts warn that such practices do not just impact finances but also manipulate consumer behavior, pushing buyers into rushed or unwanted decisions.
Why This Practice Is Considered Misleading
The Jago Grahak Jago initiative has clearly stated that showing incomplete pricing information is misleading. Transparency in pricing is a basic consumer right, and companies are expected to clearly disclose the full cost of a product or service upfront.
When mandatory charges are hidden until the payment stage, consumers are denied the opportunity to make an informed choice. Authorities have emphasized that this approach crosses the line from clever marketing into unfair trade practice, especially when charges are not clearly explained from the beginning.
Don’t Stay Silent: File a Complaint
The consumer awareness campaign has urged buyers not to remain silent if they feel cheated. If a company has misrepresented pricing or added undisclosed charges, consumers have the right to raise their voice.
Complaints can be registered through the National Consumer Helpline by dialing 1915 or by approaching the appropriate consumer forum. Officials stress that reporting such incidents not only helps individual consumers but also discourages companies from continuing deceptive practices.
The campaign’s message is clear: no matter how attractive a deal looks, consumers should always review the complete bill before making a payment.
Awareness Is the Best Protection
Consumer affairs officials advise shoppers to take a few precautionary steps to protect themselves. Always check the final payable amount carefully before clicking the payment button. If any charge appears unclear or unexplained, customers should question it immediately or reconsider the purchase.
Saving screenshots of the advertised price, payment summary, and final invoice is also recommended. These records can serve as crucial evidence if a complaint needs to be filed later.
The awareness drive emphasizes that the more alert consumers become, the harder it will be for companies to profit from misleading pricing strategies. Informed buyers play a key role in promoting fair business practices in the digital marketplace.
Final Word
Online shopping offers convenience and choice, but it also demands caution. Cheap deals that look too good to be true may come with hidden costs waiting at checkout. By staying vigilant, checking full pricing details, and reporting unfair practices, consumers can protect their money and help build a more transparent online shopping environment.
