Scam in FinlandShopping
Misleading sale discounts in Finland
How it works
A sale may advertise a discount using the word 'jopa', meaning 'up to'. Only some products may receive that discount. The original price used to calculate a saving may also be inflated.
Warning signs
- A large discount is advertised with the word 'jopa'.
- The claimed saving depends on an original price you cannot verify.
- The item you chose has a smaller discount than the headline suggests.
How to avoid it
- Check the final price of the exact item.
- Compare its price with other shops.
- Read the conditions before paying.
If it happens to you
Politely point out the misleading price and ask to cancel the purchase. Be firm if needed. If the shop will not resolve it, seek help from the relevant consumer authority.
- Move somewhere safe. Call 112 if there is immediate danger, serious injury or another emergency.
- Stop further payments. Contact your bank or card issuer and freeze any missing or exposed cards.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and screenshots. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report theft, fraud or a fake official to the police. Give a clear description and any evidence you have.
- For a purchase or taxi dispute, contact the business with your evidence and request a correction or refund.
- If a passport is stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Secure accounts on stolen devices and contact your travel insurer if needed.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Finland2024Do I haggle with Gigantti?Shoppers discussing electronics prices allege that retailers move prices up and down to make ordinary prices appear to be substantial discounts.Read on Reddit
- News2020Consumer Authority questions Black Friday practicesYle reports consumer-authority concerns about Black Friday discount practices and notifications concerning unlawful discount advertising.Read on News
Questions
What is the misleading sale discounts scam in Finland?
A sale may advertise a discount using the word 'jopa', meaning 'up to'. Only some products may receive that discount. The original price used to calculate a saving may also be inflated.
How can I spot it early?
A large discount is advertised with the word 'jopa'. The claimed saving depends on an original price you cannot verify. The item you chose has a smaller discount than the headline suggests.
How do I avoid misleading sale discounts in Finland?
Check the final price of the exact item. Compare its price with other shops. Read the conditions before paying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Politely point out the misleading price and ask to cancel the purchase. Be firm if needed. If the shop will not resolve it, seek help from the relevant consumer authority.
Where in Finland does this happen?
Shops across Finland.
How common is this scam in Finland?
Occasional. Finland has a low crime rate, and tourist scams are uncommon. The main things to watch for are costly taxi offers, misleading sale prices and theft of unattended belongings. Online and phone fraud also occur.
Are there similar scams in Finland?
Yes: loyalty-card prices hidden in the small print, overpriced outdated electronics.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud, robbery or someone posing as an officer. Police generally speak some English. Call 112 for an emergency. Oulu police department: for non-emergency cases or questions, call +358 29-546-0211. The central police office is at Kirkkokatu 13. Lapland Police Department in Rovaniemi: for police matters, call +358 295-466-250 or visit Hallituskatu 3A, Monday–Friday 08:00–16:00. For lost-property matters, call +358 295-416-941. Card issuer, bank or payment provider: use its official app or independently verified contact details. Report unauthorised payments, freeze affected cards and ask about recovering the money. Taxi company or retailer: provide your receipt, booking details or advertised price. Explain the difference and ask for a correction. For misleading shopping prices, first ask the shop to cancel the purchase. Relevant consumer authority: if a shop does not resolve misleading advertising or a disputed purchase, seek help from the authority responsible for that type of complaint. The process can be slow. Embassy or consulate: if your passport is stolen, contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details for replacement-document guidance.
What number do I call in an emergency in Finland?
Emergency services: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck