No doubt about it, retailers have been hit hard by the reduction in consumer spending. But a few new trends in retail marketing could lead even the savviest shoppers into a financial trap.

MSN Money columnist M.P. Dunleavey wrote last week about the way outlet malls use psychology to seduce consumers into paying more for lower-quality goods. Many stores count on the lure of markdowns to entice shoppers, but sometimes the prices aren’t actually better than what you’d be paying at a non-outlet retail location.

Another trick used to suck shoppers in is the lure of 0% financing. If you want to redo your living room, for example, carefully review any offer that promises “no interest until the distant future” before you walk out with thousands of dollars worth of furniture. In most cases, if you miss a payment or don’t pay it off before the term expires, the fine print dictates that they can retroactively apply a very high interest rate to your balance over the entire length of the term. Remember: A loan is only as good as the fine print.

One way to combat the problem of shady deals is to form a money club in your neighborhood to discuss ways like-minded individuals have stretched their dollar. Talking with people in a similar financial boat will pool your knowledge of scammy offers in your area and help others avoid the same pitfalls.