c’t Consumer Protection
Recognizing and defending against digital scams: Washing machines send more data home than they wash laundry. Fake shops deliver bricks instead of smartphones. False advertising promises use psychological tricks to take money out of consumers’ pockets.
Our special issue shows how these mechanisms work and who profits from the opaque fine print. We test smart devices for data collection, explain how to recognize fake shops and rip-off scams, and show how users can shop and bank online safely without taking unnecessary risks.
The topics:
- Devaluation
- Screening
- Safe shopping
- Scams
On sale: Mar 27, 2026
Space close: Mar 05, 2026