El Salvador’s Consumer Protection Office conducted 373 inspections nationwide to ensure Black Friday promotions comply with the law. According to president Ricardo Salazar, the operation began on November 3 with the goal of verifying that offers provide real benefits to shoppers. “We are conducting inspections to review offers and promotions,” he told national TV. So far, 26 percent of checks have revealed irregularities in restaurants, convenience stores, and other retailers.
To help the public stay protected, the institution has also published educational guidance explaining how to identify misleading, incomplete, or discriminatory advertising. The materials highlight common red flags: promotions without clear start and end dates, vague phrases like “restrictions apply,” illustrations that misrepresent products, discounts that only apply to selected items, offers that are unavailable at the time of purchase, and exaggerated product claims without scientific support. The guidance also warns against ads that use the image of women, minors, or minority groups in ways that are unrelated to the product or portrayed in a degrading manner.
The agency emphasizes that misleading or incomplete advertising not only violates consumer rights but can also distort decision-making during high-sales periods like Black Friday. By understanding how deceptive practices work—such as claiming storewide discounts that only apply to a small group of products or offering gifts that are later out of stock—consumers can make more informed choices and avoid falling for false promotions.
Consumers are encouraged to report any irregularities by calling 910 or 7844-1482. They can also visit the Observatorio de Publicidad, Promociones y Ofertas (precompra.defensoria.gob.sv/compara) to compare prices across establishments and access additional advice on spotting misleading advertising.