Black Friday – a Thanksgiving shopping extravaganza imported from the US – isn’t just one day any more. Retailers, both online and in the shops, started advertising their Black Friday deals as soon as the Halloween decorations came down. And it’s set to continue into December.

Irish shoppers have taken to bargain hunting with enthusiasm: a survey by PwC, which looked at Black Friday shopping habits in five European countries, found the Irish spend an average of €329, way more than our more frugal neighbours in Germany, France and Italy.

Two-thirds of that is online which opens the digital door for scammers to get in.

Irish Times consumer correspondent Conor Pope explains why Black Friday, with its “unbeatable bargains” and countdown clocks is a gift for scammers. He also tells how to beat the scammers at this distracting time of the year.

And are their bargains to be had? Pope advises the best time to buy and how to spend you money so you’ll get the best bargains.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. 

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