That “50% off everything at Target” coupon flooding your Facebook feed isn’t real, and clicking it could compromise your personal information or credit card details. Coupon scams have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting deal-hungry shoppers with fake offers that look convincingly legitimate. Learning to spot these scams can protect your wallet and your digital security.

The Most Common Coupon Scam Tactics

Fake percentage-off deals represent the biggest red flag in coupon fraud. Legitimate retailers rarely offer blanket discounts like “70% off everything” or “90% off your entire purchase.” Real coupons typically target specific products with realistic savings – $5 off $25, buy-one-get-one offers, or 20% off select items.

Social media “exclusive” offers spread through shares and likes, promising massive savings in exchange for spreading the scam. These fake coupons often claim to celebrate anniversaries or store openings. Legitimate retailers announce real promotions through official channels, not through viral social media campaigns.

Email coupons from unfamiliar senders frequently contain malware or phishing attempts. Scammers create email addresses that look official – like “walmartdeals@discount-offers.com” instead of communications from Walmart’s actual domain. Always verify the sender’s email address matches the retailer’s official website.

How to Verify Coupon Legitimacy

Before using any coupon, check the retailer’s official website or app to confirm the promotion exists. Navigate directly to the store’s site rather than clicking links in emails or social media posts.

Look for professional design and correct spelling. Real coupons from major retailers use consistent branding, proper grammar, and high-quality graphics. Fake coupons often contain spelling errors, blurry logos, or inconsistent fonts that reveal their amateur origins.

Check expiration dates and terms carefully. Legitimate coupons include specific terms, conditions, and realistic expiration dates. Scam coupons might show impossible dates or vague terms that don’t make business sense.

Digital Security Risks from Coupon Scams

Clicking fake coupon links can install malware, steal login credentials, or subscribe you to expensive services without your knowledge. Never download software or browser extensions to “activate” coupon deals – legitimate coupons work without additional downloads.

Fake coupon websites often harvest personal information through “registration” forms that request unnecessary details like Social Security numbers or banking information. Real coupon sites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com don’t require sensitive personal information to access basic deals.

Some coupon scams redirect users to fake retailer websites designed to steal credit card information. Always verify you’re on the correct website by checking the URL carefully – scammers create addresses like “amazom.com” that look similar to legitimate sites.

Red Flags in Coupon Appearance and Terms

Unrealistic savings amounts immediately identify fake coupons. No major retailer offers 80% off everything or gives away expensive electronics for free. Even legitimate clearance events rarely exceed 50% off specific overstock items.

Suspicious sharing requirements characterize social media coupon scams. Legitimate retailers don’t require you to tag friends, share posts publicly, or complete surveys to access standard promotions. These requirements help scammers spread their fake offers to more potential victims.

Generic product descriptions instead of specific brand names suggest fake coupons. Real manufacturer coupons specify exact products like “Tide Liquid Detergent 100oz” rather than vague terms like “any laundry detergent.”

Safe Coupon Sources and Best Practices

Stick to established coupon websites with strong reputations and proper security certificates. Groupon, RetailMeNot, and manufacturer websites remain the safest sources for legitimate digital coupons.

Store apps and email newsletters from retailers you actually shop at provide the most reliable deals without security risks. Sign up directly through store websites rather than through third-party deal aggregators.

Manufacturer websites offer the most trustworthy product-specific coupons. Visit brands like Procter & Gamble directly for authentic coupons without worrying about scam websites.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

If you’ve clicked on a suspicious coupon link, run antivirus software immediately and change passwords for important accounts, especially online shopping and banking sites. Monitor credit card statements closely for unauthorized charges.

Report fake coupons to the Federal Trade Commission and notify the impersonated retailer about scams using their brand. This helps protect other consumers and may assist law enforcement.

Block and delete fake coupon emails rather than just ignoring them, and avoid clicking “unsubscribe” links in suspicious messages, as this often confirms your email address is active and leads to more spam.

The bottom line: legitimate retailers don’t need gimmicky tactics to attract customers. When a coupon offer seems too generous or requires suspicious actions to claim, trust your instincts and move on. Your personal information and financial security are worth more than any discount.