Black Friday sales scam: shocking truth cyber Monday

In a now-viral Tiktok with more than 19 million views, DeJay Downey appears to take down “Black Friday sales” signs in an American Target, revealing the original price of the object matches the new “sale” price.

“It’s the same, I don’t get it,” she says.

“I’m confused.”

She goes between several sale items, including a TV, comparing the sale item price to the original price, only to find the two “different” prices are a complete match.

The video has sparked quite the debate online, racking up more than 42 thousand comments.

“That’s why I didn’t go shopping anywhere,” a woman said, “It’s been a gimmick for years!”

“Has this always been like this and we never knew?” a shocked user asked.

“The secrets out,” another user chimed in.

Commenters went even as far as sharing their own stories, as one woman wrote: “Just bought a 85 inch Samsung (TV) for $899 on Wednesday only for it to be $1299 on Thursday.”

Another user joined in: “Wanted a new vacuum and they left the old tag behind it, marked up (by) $100. I can live with my old one.”

“3 days ago I bought my daughter a Lilo doll and it was only $13, Black Friday deals was $26,” shared a frustrated commenter.

Ms Downey released a series of follow up videos answering the top most asked questions, including why the old price tag was left behind.

“Why wouldn’t they take off the original tag before putting the supposed Black Friday deal?” she asked.

“Back when I worked retail they made us take it off and it made the illusion a bit better.”

“They’re not even trying anymore,” Ms Downey said.

Other people provided their own explanations: “It’s probably more time efficient to pull the new tag out when the “sale” is over,” a man wrote.

“Maybe the workers are telling us something,” proposed a user.

“I was too lazy when I did it at my store,” a retail worker shared an insight.

Black Friday sales originated in America, but have now spread like wildfire across the globe.

The sales are expected to conclude on Monday with Cyber Monday sales set to appear tomorrow.

The National Retail Association has predicted Aussie shoppers will be leaving $6.28bn over the four days (Black Friday to Cyber Monday), which is approximately 10% of the estimated total festive season spending.

“In conclusion Black Friday is being rebranded — the new name is called Black Fraud day, I didn’t choose the name, the comments did,” Ms Downey finalised.

News.com.au has reached out to Target for comment.