How to spot a fake coupon?

Online shopping has made life easier — but it has also created new opportunities for scammers. One of the most common tools used for online fraud today is the fake coupon. An attractive discount, an “exclusive” promo code, or a “secret deal” might actually be a trap designed to collect your personal information or drive traffic to suspicious websites. So, how to spot fake coupons and avoid being tricked? Let’s take a closer look.

How scammers use coupons to collect data or generate traffic

At first glance, a coupon seems like a simple discount. But for scammers, it can become a social engineering weapon.

1. Collecting personal data. You click a link to “get 70% off” and see a form asking for your name, phone number, email — and sometimes even your credit card number “for identity verification.” This data often ends up in spam or scam databases.
2. Phishing and malware. Fake coupons frequently lead to phishing websites that mimic well-known brands. As soon as you enter your login or password, your account is at risk.
3. Traffic generation. Some “coupon” websites don’t offer real discounts at all. Instead, they lure users with big promises to earn ad revenue from clicks.

The goal of these schemes is your trust — that’s why fake coupons often look incredibly convincing.

Main signs of fake coupons

To avoid being scammed, it’s important to recognize what a fake coupon looks like. Here are a few warning signs to help you spot a fake internet coupon.

1. Unrealistic discounts. If you see “90% off everything” or “a free iPhone with this coupon,” it’s definitely fake.
2. Not listed on the brand’s official site. Real promo codes are always shared through official channels — brand websites, verified social media pages, or newsletters.
3. Suspicious URL. Fake websites often contain spelling errors in the domain (for example, adidas-offers.net instead of adidas.com).
4. No usage terms. Authentic coupons always include expiration dates, product categories, or restrictions. If there’s none of that — it’s a red flag.
5. Requests for app installation or card details. A coupon should never require unnecessary personal information.

How to verify if a coupon is real before using it

Before applying any coupon during checkout, take a few moments to verify its authenticity:

1. Check on the brand’s official website.Go to the “Promotions” or “Discounts” section. If the code isn’t listed there — don’t risk it.
2. Use trusted coupon platforms.Well-known coupon aggregators often have built-in verification systems. If the code doesn’t check out — don’t use it.
3. Read user reviews.Look for comments on social media or forums — other shoppers might already know if the coupon works or not.
4. Contact customer support.This is the most reliable way to confirm if the coupon is genuine — a brand representative can verify it instantly.
5. Check the expiration date.Expired coupons are sometimes recycled by scammers to create “new” fake deals.

Common coupon-related scam schemes

Online scammers are constantly refining their tactics. Here are the most widespread coupon scams to watch out for:

1. Fake brand websites. Scammers clone official pages and offer “exclusive coupons.” Once you enter your login or payment info, they steal your data.
2. Telegram or Viber groups with “secret promo codes.” These groups share expired or made-up coupons and later sell “premium access” to supposed real ones.
3. Fake giveaways. “Get 80% off by filling out this short form!” — a classic personal data collection trick.
4. Coupons with hidden conditions. The discount might apply only to purchases over a certain amount or for specific items, which isn’t clearly stated.

Remember: legitimate brands will never ask for your credit card details to activate a coupon.

How to safely use coupons online

To make sure coupons actually save you money — and don’t put you at risk — follow these basic safety tips:

• Use only official sources.Look for promo codes on brand websites, verified newsletters, or reputable coupon platforms.
• Never share sensitive data.No genuine coupon requires you to provide your credit card number, CVV code, or password.
• Check the website URL.It should start with https:// and match the official brand domain exactly — no extra letters or symbols.
• Keep your antivirus and browser updated.This helps block phishing sites automatically, even if you accidentally click a bad link.
• Be skeptical of “too good to be true” offers. If a discount looks unreal, it probably is.

Coupons can be a great way to save money — but fake discounts can cost you far more than you expect. To stay safe, always verify where a coupon comes from, avoid suspicious websites, and never share personal or financial data “to confirm your code.”

A real coupon is simply a code that gives you a discount — not a trick to steal your information. Use them wisely, stay alert, and your online shopping will truly help you save money through couponing rather than lose it.