Be Sure Online Coupon Offers are Legitimate

Searching for coupons online is an easy way to save money. Unfortunately, it's also an easy way to give your name and contact information to scammers. The Better Business Bureau is warning residents to be sure to verify that a coupon deal is real before sharing your information.

How the Scam Works:

Scam coupon sites often ask for your contact information.

You need to make a purchase, but you hope to save money by finding a coupon online. A Google search turns up dozens of websites. Most of the online coupons promise a modest 10 to 15 percent discount. But one offers a significantly better deal: 50 percent off your purchase.

You click the link, and the website looks official. It uses the logo of the business. It asks you to enter your email address and telephone number, promising that your coupon will be sent to you.

When you complete the form, you may be taken to a promotion for an unrelated (and untrustworthy) product. It may be anything from car loans to pharmaceuticals. Other sites do provide fake coupons to print, meaning that consumers don't know they were scammed until the store clerk rejects their coupon.

This "bait and switch" is a way for unscrupulous businesses to collect names and contact information for resale. If your information is sold, you will start receiving spam calls, text messages and/or emails to the contact information you provided.

How Can I Tell Fake Coupons from Real Ones?

It is easy to copy a business' logo and make a fake coupon look real. Identify fake coupons by the following warning signs:

• It's the only website with that great deal. If most websites offer a code for 10 percent off, a 75 percent off offer is likely a scam.
• Be wary of all high-value offers. A promo for a $500 gift card is nearly always fake.
• Look for legal language and expiration dates. Online coupons need to match manufacturer requirements.
• Never pay for coupons. Don't be tricked into paying for something that's actually free.
• Watch for "bait and switch" tactics. This scam offers you online coupon codes and, once you agree, requires you fill in a form with personal information.
• If you suspect that a coupon is fake, check it against this list. The nonprofit Coupon Information Center maintains a list of fraudulent coupons.

For More Information

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

About BBB Serving West Florida

Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 100 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For reliable tips, lists of BBB Accredited Businesses by industry and BBB Business Reviews you can trust on local businesses, visit www.bbb.org.