It’s free… or is it? Pause and give some thought to that tempting offer

Deceptive ads play on our desire for bargains. Don’t let the lure of the four-letter word cloud your judgment.

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Deceptive ads play on our desire for bargains. Don’t let the lure of the four-letter word cloud your judgment, says the writer.

Deceptive ads play on our desire for bargains. Don’t let the lure of the four-letter word cloud your judgment, says the writer.

ST ILLUSTRATION: MIEL

Yao Jingxian and Lau Kong Cheen

Who hasn’t been tempted by the allure of a freebie? In an age of online shopping, flash sales and the pinch of rising living costs, the thrill of snagging a good deal can offer a fleeting, yet undeniable, satisfaction.

But as we hunt for bargains, it’s equally crucial to pause and question: Does the deal deliver on its promise, or is it just another clever marketing ploy?

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