Deal IQ
How to spot fake tech deals
Build topical authority: readers who understand pricing verify your affiliate picks instead of bouncing to random forums.
For U.S. readers. Examples use USD and U.S.-facing retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, Newegg, and carriers when relevant). State sales tax is not included in headline prices—your cart total is what matters.
Quick trust note. We link to follow-up guides so you can compare categories without hunting random forums—see related posts at the end.
Reference price fraud
If the crossed-out price never existed at major retailers for that SKU, the "percent off" is fiction. Screenshot historical pricing when evaluating sale timing.
Exclusive models with trimmed specs
Retail-exclusive laptops and TVs sometimes downgrade RAM or refresh rates. Cross-check spec tables before celebrating doorbusters—especially during Black Friday vs Cyber Monday noise.
Landed cost beats headline price
Add tax, shipping, membership fees, and extended warranties you decline. For big carts, compare interest-free financing traps the same way we model hosting renewals.
FAQ
Are "flash sales" always fake?
No—but urgency UI is often manufactured. Sleep on non-critical buys when possible.