How Coupon Scams Target Shoppers
Coupon scams occur when scammers create fake coupons used to steal personal information, spread malware, or trick shoppers out of their own money. Fraudulent coupons often mimic the language and design of legitimate brands, including logos, fonts, and barcodes in an attempt pass off as authentic offers. They can be distributed through social posts, texts, emails, printable vouchers, or digital pop-ups that encourage quick action. Scammers use these tactics to make fraudulent coupons feel believable:
- Urgency: Limited time offers or countdowns meant to rush purchase decisions.
- Scarcity: Claims of "only a few left" to provoke fear of missing out.
- Authority: Lookalike domains, fake endorsements, or brand impersonation.
- Reciprocity: Promising generous discounts if you complete online forms or share links.
- Social Proof: Fake comments and share counts that suggest widespread use.
Coupon scams can compromise your finances, personal information, and even the security of your devices. They can also cause businesses to face operational disruption and reputational harm.
Common Types of Coupon Scams
Coupon scams can take many forms, but the following are among the most common types to be aware of:
Fake Social Media Coupons
Watch for social media posts that promise unusually high discounts if you click, share, or complete a survey. Doing so enables scammers to collect personal data or install malware.
Email Phishing Schemes
Scammers will send emails posing as trusted brands, urging you to "verify" details to unlock a coupon. The links in these emails redirect to spoofed sign-in pages designed to steal your credentials.
Counterfeit Printable Coupons
If you receive a professional-looking PDF or image with coupon barcodes, it might be fake. These fraudulent coupons are often rejected at checkouts and can lead to disputes.
Text Message Promotions
Look out for SMS offers with shortened links and high-pressure language. Clicking these links can trigger malware downloads or deceive you into enter your financial information.
Browser Pop-Ups and Extensions
Pop-ups that promise automatic savings but lead to extensions that scrape your browsing data or inject ads.
Survey or Quiz-Based Offers
Be wary of invitations to complete a survey in exchange for a coupon. These surveys can capture your personal information and rarely yield a valid coupon.
Tips for Protecting Yourself from Coupon Scams
Fortunately, there are actionable steps you can take to prevent yourself from falling victim to coupon scams. If you spot a coupon that seems too good to be true, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Verify the source. Confirm offers on the retailer's official website or app. Authentic deals typically appear through brand-owned channels or loyalty programs.
- Watch for unrealistic discounts. Deep savings with minimal terms are a red flag. Large brands rarely issue high-value coupons without clear eligibility requirements.
- Review terms and redemption details. Genuine coupons list expiration dates, product exclusions, locations, and steps. Vague details can signal coupon fraud.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information. A coupon should never require Social Security numbers, bank credentials, or card data. If you are ever prompted to give this information in exchange for a coupon, exit the website immediately.
- Secure your accounts and devices. Keep your devices updated with the latest software, enable anti-malware protection, and consider using a password manager application to ensure your passwords are secure as can be.
- Pay attention to design elements. Fraudulent coupons often include distorted barcodes, mismatched logos, or unusual layouts compared to official brand materials.
- Contact the retailer. When in doubt, contact the retailer through official support channels and ask whether the offer is valid.
Your safety is our priority at TowneBank, and you deserve to shop worry-free. If you ever have questions or concerns about a potential coupon scam, your local banker is always here to help.