Recognise dark patterns - shop safely and stay in control

21 May 2025

We’re all looking for ways to shop smarter, and the last thing anyone needs are tricks that push us to spend more or hand over unnecessary personal data.

Dark patterns are tactics some businesses use to nudge, manipulate or trick you into spending more than you planned or sharing information you don’t need to provide. You’re most likely to come across these tactics when using digital channels like online platforms, shopping websites and apps.

Here, we’ll highlight some common dark patterns to help you recognise them when shopping online.

Nagging

Some businesses use redirection or nagging tactics to interrupt what you’re trying to do – like trying to leave their website after browsing or window shopping. Redirection or nagging often appear as pop-ups to encourage you to subscribe or set up an account to receive a discount, and in some cases, you may get a series of pop-ups, one after another.

Scarcity cues

Ever experienced fear of missing out (FOMO) while online shopping?

Scarcity cues may create a false sense of urgency, pushing you to make quick decisions before you have time to compare prices or reconsider. Lookout for countdown timers on shopping carts or messages like ‘hot price, selling fast’, they’re designed to rush your decision making. When you’re rushed you can end up spending more than you planned or buying things you don’t need.

Subscription traps

Some subscriptions are easy to sign up to, but difficult to cancel. Some services may only require minimal information to subscribe to a product or service, but when you try to cancel, you might face multiple steps and feel pressured to stay.

Don’t get caught in a subscription trap:

  • watch out for hidden costs
  • plan ahead of time – set a reminder for the renewal date
  • opt out of auto-renewals where possible
  • regularly review your subscriptions and cancel those you no longer use.

What can you do?

When you recognise dark patterns, you can minimise their effect.

By taking the time to recognise dark patterns and shop carefully, you can protect your privacy, budget and consumer rights when shopping online.

To avoid post-purchase regret, don’t rush and:

  • budget and spend sensibly
  • take your time and don’t rush decisions
  • shop around and compare prices
  • do your research to be sure the website is reputable and safe to use
  • ask family and friends for supplier recommendations or check online reviews
  • read the fine print, including the terms and conditions and understand your consumer rights before you click ‘buy now’
  • know when you’re entitled to a refund, repair or replacement.

Finally, while it may be tempting to sign up to a newsletter to get a discount, make sure you’re not sharing more personal information than you’re comfortable with.

Look out for more tips on our Facebook page and share our tips with your family and friends: https://www.facebook.com/NorthernTerritoryConsumerAffairs.