Discount Coupons: How to Avoid Scams

As the vacation buying season approaches, the attract of Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers turns into not possible to disregard. For a lot of, the hunt for on-line coupons seems like a treasure trove of financial savings, however behind these digital reductions, there might be hidden risks. In the course of the vacation rush, cybercriminals are out in full power, crafting faux coupons and misleading affords designed to grab up your information or hijack your cost data.

Buyers seeking to snag a deal could not understand how weak they’re till it’s too late. Final yr, almost 34 million folks within the U.S. alone had been impacted by on-line buying scams throughout these main gross sales occasions​. However with a couple of precautions, you may confidently use low cost coupons with out changing into a statistic.

Under, we’ll discover the frequent dangers tied to on-line coupons, discover the privateness and security issues that include low cost coupon browser extensions, and give you instruments like a VPN to buy smarter and safer this vacation season. It’s additionally the right time to discover a Black Friday VPN deal.

Leap to…
Where can I find discount coupons?
Common discount coupon scams
How to spot a discount coupon scam
How safe are discount coupon browser extensions?
Tips for using online coupons safely
Safe shopping tips

The place can I discover low cost coupons?

In the course of the largest buying days of the yr, thousands and thousands of individuals scour the web for coupons that promise large financial savings at checkout. Whether or not it’s a share off or free delivery, these easy codes can pack a punch. However the place do folks get these coupons?

You could find them in loads of locations:

• Retailers typically ship them through e-mail, particularly when you’re subscribed to their newsletters or vacation promotions. 
• Printed coupons nonetheless make their approach to mailboxes too. 
• Many consumers depend on devoted coupon websites like Coupons.com or RetailMeNot, which record each bodily and digital coupons. 
• Social media is one other hotspot, the place manufacturers and influencers typically share unique coupons. 
• You may also discover them immediately on retailer web sites, apps, and even by means of commercials in print or on-line.

However with all this pleasure, it’s simple to overlook that some coupons would possibly include strings connected—or worse, result in scams that price greater than they save.

10 frequent low cost coupon scams

Low cost coupons can really feel like a present through the vacation season. However whereas they promise to save lots of you cash, some affords include a hidden value. Scammers are out in full power, utilizing faux coupons to trick you into giving up private data or infecting your system with malware. Listed below are 11 scams it’s essential be careful for earlier than you click on on that “too good to be true” deal:

1. Faux coupon web sites

You come across a web site providing coupons that appear virtually too good to be true, reminiscent of “60% off at your favourite retailer.” These faux coupon websites are designed to imitate respectable coupon platforms, however their actual purpose is to trick you into revealing private data. For instance, they may ask you to join an account or fill out a type to assert the deal. Nevertheless, as an alternative of supplying you with an actual coupon, they’re truly phishing on your information. These websites typically look skilled and are tailor-made to match well-known manufacturers, making it onerous to inform the distinction at first look.

2. Phishing emails providing coupons 

The vacation season hits, and your inbox begins filling up with tempting coupon affords from manufacturers you recognize and love. Or so that you assume. Hidden among the many respectable offers are phishing emails designed to look similar to they got here out of your favourite retailers. You click on on a hyperlink, anticipating to land on the retailer’s web site, however as an alternative, you’re taken to a malicious web site—or worse, you find yourself downloading malware with out even realizing it. These emails can look so convincing that many individuals fall sufferer earlier than they also have a probability to assume twice. 

3. Social media advert scams

Social media is buzzing with low cost offers throughout Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Whereas some are respectable, others might be a part of elaborate scams. These faux adverts direct you to fraudulent web sites which might be set as much as seize your private particulars or trick you into making purchases on faux merchandise. One instance? The notorious Costco coupon rip-off, the place folks had been duped by a faux 75 USD coupon provide that circulated on Fb, solely to lose their information as an alternative of saving a dime. 

4. Pop-up coupon scams 

You’re peacefully searching your favourite on-line retailer when out of the blue, a pop-up window guarantees you 50% off when you simply click on by means of and apply the coupon. Sounds innocent, proper? However these pop-ups are sometimes traps, designed to redirect you to shady web sites or set up malware onto your system. They feed off the thrill of vacation buying, hoping you’ll be too distracted to note one thing’s off. These scams are notably sneaky as a result of they seem whenever you’re already in a buying mindset, making it simpler to trick you into clicking.

5. Coupon “verification” scams 

Simply whenever you assume you’ve scored the right coupon, the web site asks for “verification” earlier than you should use it. This would possibly contain coming into private particulars or downloading an app. However as an alternative of verifying your coupon, it’s typically a sneaky manner for scammers to gather delicate information or load malware onto your system. It sounds innocent at first—what’s a bit verification to save lots of 40%? However respectable coupons don’t require pointless steps to redeem.

6. Surveys for coupons

“Full this fast survey and obtain a $100 coupon on your favourite retailer!” Who wouldn’t need that? However these survey scams are designed to assemble as a lot private data as potential whereas providing nothing in return. The survey appears easy sufficient, however the minute you hand over your particulars, they’re gone—utilized by scammers or bought to 3rd events. Worse, the promised coupon by no means arrives, and also you’re left questioning the place all of your information went.

7. Coupon aggregator scams 

You’re on a mission to seek out the very best vacation offers and a web site guarantees to have all the most popular coupons in a single handy spot. However what looks like a useful service is definitely a rip-off. Faux coupon aggregator websites lure you in with the promise of comfort however then direct you to fraudulent web sites designed to gather your private data. As an alternative of a treasure trove of reductions, you’re despatched down a rabbit gap of scams.

8. Cell app coupon scams 

Downloading an app that guarantees unique coupons appears like a wise transfer. However a few of these apps are loaded with malware. As soon as put in, they’ll observe your each transfer, steal private information, or infect your system. It’s onerous to inform as a result of they typically look respectable, however these scammy apps are on the rise, particularly through the vacation buying season.

9. Coupon codes that demand cost

Scammers have began providing “premium” coupons that require cost upfront. They declare that by paying a small price, you’ll unlock entry to unique reductions, however when you hand over your cash, the coupon—and the scammer—disappear. This trick performs on the concept paying a bit for one thing unique could be price it, particularly through the vacation season when offers are king. However respectable coupons are all the time free, and any provide that calls for cash upfront ought to set off alarm bells.

10. Coupon fraud

Whereas scammers work onerous to trick you, there’s one other sort of fraud you may not anticipate—folks abusing respectable coupons. Some savvy (however sneaky) buyers attempt to use low cost codes extra instances than allowed or share unique codes that had been by no means meant to go public. This type of misuse prices companies large bucks—between 300 million and 600 million USD yearly. It’s additionally the explanation a few of your favourite manufacturers tighten up their coupon insurance policies, making it tougher for the remainder of us to snag these candy vacation offers.

spot a reduction coupon rip-off: Purple flags to be careful for

By now, you’ve seen simply how frequent on-line coupon scams might be throughout Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Scammers have a knack for making faux offers seem like the true factor, preying on the thrill of a vacation discount. However earlier than you click on on that too-good-to-be-true coupon, take a second to test for these telltale crimson flags.

Shady-looking URLs

Hover over that hyperlink earlier than clicking! Does it result in bestdeals-retailers-coupon.me or one thing equally sketchy? If the URL doesn’t look acquainted or begins with “http” as an alternative of “https,” hit the brakes. Legit coupons come from websites you recognize—the rest might result in a scammer’s playground.

Your pal shares it on social media… However it results in a bizarre web site

All of us find it irresistible when a pal shares an ideal deal, however don’t get tricked. In case your buddy posted a hyperlink for 50% off at Walmart, but it surely sends you to randomfreecoupons.information, that’s a serious crimson flag. Actual retailers don’t depend on sketchy, third-party websites for his or her reductions.

They need all your private information

Bought a coupon hyperlink that asks on your bank card, dwelling deal with, and even your pet’s identify? That’s a rip-off, little doubt. A respectable low cost deal isn’t going to wish your life story. In the event that they’re asking for greater than your e-mail, it’s time to again out earlier than you hand over particulars scammers can exploit.

You’re bouncing from web page to web page

Click on a hyperlink, get a reduction, proper? Not all the time. If you end up being redirected to a number of pages earlier than you even land on the coupon, one thing’s unsuitable. Scammers love to make use of these bounces to confuse you whereas secretly gathering information. If it seems like a wild goose chase, it most likely is.

Too good to be true? It most likely is

A free iPhone for filling out a survey or 90% off your subsequent 500 USD buying spree? Come on—no one’s handing out offers like that. Scammers depend on you being excited sufficient to disregard your intestine. Keep on with offers that sound lifelike, otherwise you would possibly find yourself with nothing however remorse.

Phishy emails with bizarre sender addresses

In the event you get an e-mail promising “unique reductions,” take a second to test who it’s from. Does it come from offers@amazongift.biz as an alternative of @amazon.com? If the e-mail deal with seems fishy, that’s as a result of it’s. Scammers love utilizing these phishing emails to catch you off guard.

The coupon seems… Off

Look intently. Is the brand fuzzy? Are the fonts weirdly inconsistent, or is the coupon’s expiration date set for 3 years from now? These refined indicators scream “faux.” Scammers will typically mess with an actual coupon, however they by no means get the main points excellent. If one thing seems odd, belief your instincts.

Pop-ups that demand you act NOW

You’re casually searching when—bam!—a pop-up seems promising 50% off when you act inside the subsequent two minutes. Actual coupons aren’t this pushy, and bonafide shops received’t hit you with pop-ups that demand speedy motion. In the event you really feel rushed, step again and take a re-assessment.

Surveys that by no means finish

“Simply full a fast survey on your $100 coupon!”—sounds simple sufficient. However after the tenth survey, you’re nonetheless ready for the promised coupon. Scammers use countless surveys to gather your information, and also you’ll by no means see that deal. If a survey seems like a marathon, it’s a rip-off.

No barcode, no deal

Bodily coupons with out barcodes or every other manner for a retailer to trace and scan? Doubtless faux. Main retailers have to confirm their reductions, and in case your coupon is nothing however textual content, you’re seemingly holding onto a rip-off.

How protected are low cost coupon browser extensions?

So, you recognize concerning the crimson flags of some on-line coupons and what to look out for. You would possibly assume sticking to tried-and-trusted browser extensions like Honey, Rakuten, and Capital One Buying is the most secure guess to snag the very best offers. They promise to seek out and mechanically apply the very best coupon codes at checkout, serving to you save money and time with out a lot effort. However earlier than you get too comfy, it’s price taking a more in-depth take a look at what these extensions are doing behind the scenes along with your information.

Right here’s a breakdown of among the hottest low cost coupon extensions, and what it’s essential learn about their privateness and security practices:

Honey

Privateness score: 3/5 

Honey is without doubt one of the hottest coupon extensions on the market, but it surely comes with its share of privateness issues. It collects information on what you purchase, the place you store, and different searching habits. Whereas they are saying they don’t promote this information to 3rd events, they do share it with their guardian firm, PayPal, to “enhance the person expertise.” So, when you’re somebody who cares about how your information is used, this would possibly make you assume twice. They’re not promoting your information, however the quantity of monitoring could not sit proper with everybody.

Security score: 4.5/5

Honey is taken into account very protected general. It hasn’t had any main safety points and is backed by PayPal, which provides it an additional layer of belief. Whereas Honey tracks your buying habits, it doesn’t have entry to delicate monetary particulars like your bank card quantity. So, when you’re fearful about getting hacked or compromised whereas utilizing Honey, you’re fairly properly lined.

Rakuten

Privateness score: 2.5/5 

Rakuten isn’t shy about the truth that it collects information. They provide money again, which sounds nice, however in alternate, they acquire details about what you purchase and the place you store. Rakuten brazenly states that they generate profits by sharing this information with retailers and different companions. So whilst you’re saving cash, you’re additionally giving up plenty of information. They’re upfront about it, however when you’re involved about who’s getting your information, Rakuten might not be your best option.

Security score: 4/5

Rakuten is a respectable and trusted service. It’s been round for years and hasn’t had any main security issues. Whereas they do promote information to 3rd events, it’s not your private monetary particulars—simply your buying habits. Nonetheless, when you’re okay with sharing that information, Rakuten is protected to make use of from a safety standpoint.

Capital One Buying (previously Wikibuy)

Privateness score: 3/5

Capital One Buying is linked to a serious monetary establishment, which provides it credibility. However similar to the opposite extensions, it tracks your buy historical past and searching information to provide you customized offers and affords. The extent of the information assortment is pretty in depth. Whereas it’s used to tailor suggestions and allow you to lower your expenses, when you’re not comfy along with your buying habits being tracked, this could possibly be a draw back.

Security score: 4.5/5

On the security aspect, Capital One Buying is rock strong. It’s linked to Capital One, so you recognize they take safety severely. The extension makes use of sturdy encryption and has a superb observe document, with no main safety breaches. Your monetary information stays protected, and also you don’t want to fret about delicate data being uncovered. Saying that, the one motive it’s not a full 5 is the quantity of knowledge collected.

Cently

Privateness score: 3.5/5

Cently does what it guarantees—mechanically making use of coupon codes at checkout with minimal trouble. By way of privateness, it collects much less information than among the larger gamers like Honey or Rakuten. Nevertheless, it nonetheless tracks your buying habits and should share this data with its advertising companions. So, whereas it’s not as data-hungry as others, it’s nonetheless maintaining a tally of what you’re as much as whenever you store.

Security score: 4/5

Cently has a strong observe document in terms of safety, with no main incidents or breaches reported. It operates like the opposite extensions, monitoring person habits to ship the very best offers. Whereas that is par for the course, it doesn’t expose your monetary information, and customers haven’t raised vital security issues.

Coupert

Privateness score: 3/5

Coupert is a helpful instrument for mechanically discovering and making use of coupon codes, but it surely does observe your buying habits to offer these providers. Whereas it doesn’t seem to gather as a lot private information as among the larger names, it does share data with its companions, principally for advertising functions. Like many different extensions, Coupert collects information on what you browse and purchase, so privacy-focused customers ought to take be aware.

Security score: 4/5

By way of security, Coupert has a superb popularity. There haven’t been any main safety breaches, and it supplies a safe buying expertise general. The extension doesn’t ask for monetary data and encrypts person information, which helps maintain it protected. So long as you’re okay with the information it does acquire, you must really feel protected utilizing it.

10 suggestions for utilizing on-line coupons safely 

Whether or not you’re utilizing an extension like Honey or trying to find offers by yourself, it’s essential to remain sharp whereas saving. Listed below are 10 suggestions to verify your low cost doesn’t price you greater than you bargained for:

1. Keep on with trusted web sites

Don’t enterprise into the wilds of the web for that additional 10% off. Keep on with trusted retailers and well-known coupon websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com. If a deal pops up on an unfamiliar web site, it’s most likely finest to skip it.

2. Be cautious with social media offers

Seeing a giant deal shared by a pal or a sponsored submit on Fb or Instagram? It could be tempting, however all the time confirm the deal by going on to the retailer’s web site. Scammers love utilizing faux adverts and social media to lure folks in.

3. Examine URLs rigorously

When clicking on a coupon hyperlink, hover over the URL earlier than you click on. If the net deal with seems off, like “bestdeals-retailers-discount123.me,” it’s a crimson flag. Keep on with HTTPS websites you acknowledge and belief.

4. Don’t quit an excessive amount of data

If a coupon code asks for private data—like your e-mail, dwelling deal with or cellphone quantity—it’s time to again out. If a web site asks for an excessive amount of private data, they’re seemingly after extra than simply your buying habits.

5. Keep away from public Wi-Fi

Buying from a espresso store or the mall? Don’t do it on public Wi-Fi with out additional safety. If it’s essential store on the go, it’s finest to make use of a safe community. Or higher but, use a VPN from ExpressVPN to encrypt your connection and maintain your information protected.

6. Maintain your software program up to date

Whether or not it’s your browser, safety software program, or the coupon extension you employ, all the time be sure every little thing is updated. New updates typically patch safety vulnerabilities that would go away your system open to cyberattacks.

7. Use sturdy passwords

In the event you’re creating accounts to assert coupons or offers, don’t reuse your passwords. Use sturdy, distinctive passwords for every web site or, even higher, a password supervisor. This helps stop your accounts from being compromised if a web site will get hacked.

8. Don’t fall for pop-up stress

If a pop-up window screams at you to behave now or lose a deal in 5 minutes, shut it. Actual offers don’t disappear in a flash, and bonafide retailers don’t have to resort to such aggressive techniques.

9. Confirm coupon codes earlier than checkout

It’s all the time a good suggestion to double-check {that a} coupon code works earlier than coming into private or cost data. Use trusted sources or the retailer’s personal web site to substantiate whether or not the coupon is legitimate, so that you’re not losing time—or risking a rip-off.

10. Monitor your accounts

After you’ve redeemed a coupon or accomplished a purchase order, regulate your checking account or bank card assertion. Look out for any suspicious fees. If one thing appears off, it’s higher to catch it sooner somewhat than later.

Together with the steps above, with Black Friday (November 29, 2024) and Cyber Monday (December 2, 2024) quick approaching, it’s additionally essential to lock down your general on-line safety. Listed below are some closing tricks to maintain your buying protected:

Use two-factor authentication

Shield your accounts by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever potential. It’s a easy step that provides an additional barrier, making it tougher for hackers to entry your information.

Monitor your financial institution statements

After you’ve snapped up these vacation offers, don’t overlook to maintain an in depth eye in your monetary accounts. Search for any unfamiliar fees and act quick when you discover something suspicious.

Examine retailer critiques

Earlier than buying from a brand new on-line retailer, search for critiques or seek for any crimson flags. Web sites which might be poorly reviewed or have a historical past of complaints ought to be prevented, regardless of how tempting the low cost.

Arrange alerts for uncommon exercise

Many banks and bank card firms provide real-time alerts for suspicious transactions. Activate these alerts to get notified instantly if one thing doesn’t appear proper.

Watch out for cloned web sites

Scammers typically arrange faux web sites that look almost an identical to widespread retailers. Double-check the URL and examine the positioning for small inconsistencies (e.g., misspellings, unusual layouts) earlier than making any purchases.

Restrict autofill

Whereas autofill is handy, it shops delicate data in your browser that could possibly be compromised in case your system is hacked. Manually coming into your particulars, particularly for monetary data, can present an additional layer of safety.

Use digital bank cards

Many bank card firms now provide digital card numbers for on-line buying. These non permanent numbers assist shield your actual card data by limiting how a lot data is shared with the retailer.