Don’t fall for discount coupon scams this Black Friday and Cyber Monday

As the holiday shopping season approaches, the allure of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals becomes impossible to ignore. For many, the hunt for online coupons feels like a treasure trove of savings, but behind these virtual discounts, there can be hidden dangers. During the holiday rush, cybercriminals are out in full force, crafting fake coupons and deceptive offers designed to snatch up your data or hijack your payment information.

Shoppers looking to snag a deal may not realize how vulnerable they are until it’s too late. Last year, nearly 34 million people in the U.S. alone were impacted by online shopping scams during these major sales events​. But with a few precautions, you can confidently use discount coupons without becoming a statistic.

Below, we’ll explore the common risks tied to online coupons, explore the privacy and safety concerns that come with discount coupon browser extensions, and provide you with tools like a VPN to shop smarter and safer this holiday season. It’s also the perfect time to find a Black Friday VPN deal.

Jump 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

Where can I find discount coupons?

During the biggest shopping days of the year, millions of people scour the internet for coupons that promise big savings at checkout. Whether it’s a percentage off or free shipping, these simple codes can pack a punch. But where do people get these coupons?

You can find them in plenty of places:

• Retailers often send them via email, especially if you’re subscribed to their newsletters or holiday promotions. 
• Printed coupons still make their way to mailboxes too. 
• Many shoppers rely on dedicated coupon sites like Coupons.com or RetailMeNot, which list both physical and digital coupons. 
• Social media is another hotspot, where brands and influencers often share exclusive coupons. 
• You might also find them directly on retailer websites, apps, or even through advertisements in print or online.

But with all this excitement, it’s easy to forget that some coupons might come with strings attached—or worse, lead to scams that cost more than they save.

10 common discount coupon scams

Discount coupons can feel like a gift during the holiday season. But while they promise to save you money, some offers come with a hidden price. Scammers are out in full force, using fake coupons to trick you into giving up personal information or infecting your device with malware. Here are 11 scams you need to watch out for before you click on that “too good to be true” deal:

1. Fake coupon websites

You stumble upon a site offering coupons that seem almost too good to be true, such as “60% off at your favorite store.” These fake coupon sites are designed to mimic legitimate coupon platforms, but their real aim is to trick you into revealing personal information. For example, they might ask you to sign up for an account or fill out a form to claim the deal. However, instead of giving you a real coupon, they’re actually phishing for your data. These sites often look professional and are tailored to match well-known brands, making it hard to tell the difference at first glance.

2. Phishing emails offering coupons 

The holiday season hits, and your inbox starts filling up with tempting coupon offers from brands you know and love. Or so you think. Hidden among the legitimate deals are phishing emails designed to look just like they came from your favorite retailers. You click on a link, expecting to land on the retailer’s site, but instead, you’re taken to a malicious site—or worse, you end up downloading malware without even realizing it. These emails can look so convincing that many people fall victim before they even have a chance to think twice. 

3. Social media ad scams

Social media is buzzing with discount deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While some are legitimate, others can be part of elaborate scams. These fake ads direct you to fraudulent websites that are set up to capture your personal details or trick you into making purchases on fake products. One example? The infamous Costco coupon scam, where people were duped by a fake 75 USD coupon offer that circulated on Facebook, only to lose their data instead of saving a dime. 

4. Pop-up coupon scams 

You’re peacefully browsing your favorite online store when suddenly, a pop-up window promises you 50% off if you just click through and apply the coupon. Sounds harmless, right? But these pop-ups are often traps, designed to redirect you to shady websites or install malware onto your device. They feed off the excitement of holiday shopping, hoping you’ll be too distracted to notice something’s off. These scams are particularly sneaky because they appear when you’re already in a shopping mindset, making it easier to trick you into clicking.

5. Coupon “verification” scams 

Just when you think you’ve scored the perfect coupon, the website asks for “verification” before you can use it. This might involve entering personal details or downloading an app. But instead of verifying your coupon, it’s often a sneaky way for scammers to collect sensitive data or load malware onto your device. It sounds harmless at first—what’s a little verification to save 40%? But legitimate coupons don’t require unnecessary steps to redeem.

6. Surveys for coupons

“Complete this quick survey and receive a $100 coupon for your favorite store!” Who wouldn’t want that? But these survey scams are designed to gather as much personal information as possible while offering nothing in return. The survey seems simple enough, but the minute you hand over your details, they’re gone—used by scammers or sold to third parties. Worse, the promised coupon never arrives, and you’re left wondering where all your data went.

7. Coupon aggregator scams 

You’re on a mission to find the best holiday deals and a website promises to have all the hottest coupons in one convenient spot. But what seems like a helpful service is actually a scam. Fake coupon aggregator sites lure you in with the promise of convenience but then direct you to fraudulent websites designed to collect your personal information. Instead of a treasure trove of discounts, you’re sent down a rabbit hole of scams.

8. Mobile app coupon scams 

Downloading an app that promises exclusive coupons sounds like a smart move. But some of these apps are loaded with malware. Once installed, they can track your every move, steal personal data, or infect your device. It’s hard to tell because they often look legitimate, but these scammy apps are on the rise, especially during the holiday shopping season.

9. Coupon codes that demand payment

Scammers have started offering “premium” coupons that require payment upfront. They claim that by paying a small fee, you’ll unlock access to exclusive discounts, but once you hand over your money, the coupon—and the scammer—disappear. This trick plays on the idea that paying a little for something exclusive might be worth it, especially during the holiday season when deals are king. But legitimate coupons are always free, and any offer that demands money upfront should set off alarm bells.

10. Coupon fraud

While scammers work hard to trick you, there’s another type of fraud you might not expect—people abusing legitimate coupons. Some savvy (but sneaky) shoppers try to use discount codes more times than allowed or share exclusive codes that were never meant to go public. This kind of misuse costs businesses big bucks—between 300 million and 600 million USD annually. It’s also the reason some of your favorite brands tighten up their coupon policies, making it harder for the rest of us to snag those sweet holiday deals.

How to spot a discount coupon scam: Red flags to watch out for

By now, you’ve seen just how common online coupon scams can be during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Scammers have a knack for making fake deals look like the real thing, preying on the excitement of a holiday bargain. But before you click on that too-good-to-be-true coupon, take a moment to check for these telltale red flags.

Shady-looking URLs

Hover over that link before clicking! Does it lead to bestdeals-retailers-coupon.me or something equally sketchy? If the URL doesn’t look familiar or starts with “http” instead of “https,” hit the brakes. Legit coupons come from sites you know—anything else could lead to a scammer’s playground.

Your friend shares it on social media… But it leads to a weird website

We all love it when a friend shares a great deal, but don’t get tricked. If your buddy posted a link for 50% off at Walmart, but it sends you to randomfreecoupons.info, that’s a major red flag. Real retailers don’t rely on sketchy, third-party sites for their discounts.

They want all your personal info

Got a coupon link that asks for your credit card, home address, and even your pet’s name? That’s a scam, no doubt. A legitimate discount deal isn’t going to need your life story. If they’re asking for more than your email, it’s time to back out before you hand over details scammers can exploit.

You’re bouncing from page to page

Click a link, get a discount, right? Not always. If you find yourself being redirected to multiple pages before you even land on the coupon, something’s wrong. Scammers love to use these bounces to confuse you while secretly gathering data. If it feels like a wild goose chase, it probably is.

Too good to be true? It probably is

A free iPhone for filling out a survey or 90% off your next 500 USD shopping spree? Come on—nobody’s handing out deals like that. Scammers count on you being excited enough to ignore your gut. Stick to deals that sound realistic, or you might end up with nothing but regret.

Phishy emails with weird sender addresses

If you get an email promising “exclusive discounts,” take a second to check who it’s from. Does it come from deals@amazongift.biz instead of @amazon.com? If the email address looks fishy, that’s because it is. Scammers love using these phishing emails to catch you off guard.

The coupon looks… Off

Look closely. Is the logo fuzzy? Are the fonts weirdly inconsistent, or is the coupon’s expiration date set for three years from now? These subtle signs scream “fake.” Scammers will often mess with a real coupon, but they never get the details just right. If something looks odd, trust your instincts.

Pop-ups that demand you act NOW

You’re casually browsing when—bam!—a pop-up appears promising 50% off if you act within the next two minutes. Real coupons aren’t this pushy, and legitimate stores won’t hit you with pop-ups that demand immediate action. If you feel rushed, step back and take a second look.

Surveys that never end

“Just complete a quick survey for your $100 coupon!”—sounds easy enough. But after the 10th survey, you’re still waiting for the promised coupon. Scammers use endless surveys to collect your info, and you’ll never see that deal. If a survey feels like a marathon, it’s a scam.

No barcode, no deal

Physical coupons without barcodes or any other way for a retailer to track and scan? Likely fake. Major retailers need to verify their discounts, and if your coupon is nothing but text, you’re likely holding onto a scam.

How safe are discount coupon browser extensions?

So, you know about the red flags of some online coupons and what to look out for. You might think sticking to tried-and-trusted browser extensions like Honey, Rakuten, and Capital One Shopping is the safest bet to snag the best deals. They promise to find and automatically apply the best coupon codes at checkout, helping you save time and money without much effort. But before you get too comfortable, it’s worth taking a closer look at what these extensions are doing behind the scenes with your data.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular discount coupon extensions, and what you need to know about their privacy and safety practices:

Honey

Privacy rating: 3/5 

Honey is one of the most popular coupon extensions out there, but it comes with its share of privacy concerns. It collects data on what you buy, where you shop, and other browsing habits. While they say they don’t sell this data to third parties, they do share it with their parent company, PayPal, to “improve the user experience.” So, if you’re someone who cares about how your data is used, this might make you think twice. They’re not selling your info, but the amount of tracking may not sit right with everyone.

Safety rating: 4.5/5

Honey is considered very safe overall. It hasn’t had any major security issues and is backed by PayPal, which gives it an extra layer of trust. While Honey tracks your shopping behavior, it doesn’t have access to sensitive financial details like your credit card number. So, if you’re worried about getting hacked or compromised while using Honey, you’re pretty well covered.

Rakuten

Privacy rating: 2.5/5 

Rakuten isn’t shy about the fact that it collects data. They offer cash back, which sounds great, but in exchange, they collect information about what you buy and where you shop. Rakuten openly states that they make money by sharing this data with retailers and other partners. So while you’re saving money, you’re also giving up a lot of info. They’re upfront about it, but if you’re concerned about who’s getting your data, Rakuten may not be the best choice.

Safety rating: 4/5

Rakuten is a legitimate and trusted service. It’s been around for years and hasn’t had any major safety concerns. While they do sell data to third parties, it’s not your personal financial details—just your shopping behavior. Still, if you’re okay with sharing that info, Rakuten is safe to use from a security standpoint.

Capital One Shopping (formerly Wikibuy)

Privacy rating: 3/5

Capital One Shopping is linked to a major financial institution, which gives it credibility. But just like the other extensions, it tracks your purchase history and browsing data to give you personalized deals and offers. The extent of the data collection is fairly extensive. While it’s used to tailor recommendations and help you save money, if you’re not comfortable with your shopping habits being tracked, this could be a downside.

Safety rating: 4.5/5

On the safety side, Capital One Shopping is rock solid. It’s linked to Capital One, so you know they take security seriously. The extension uses strong encryption and has a good track record, with no major security breaches. Your financial data stays safe, and you don’t need to worry about sensitive information being exposed. Saying that, the only reason it’s not a full 5 is the amount of data collected.

Cently

Privacy rating: 3.5/5

Cently does what it promises—automatically applying coupon codes at checkout with minimal hassle. In terms of privacy, it collects less data than some of the bigger players like Honey or Rakuten. However, it still tracks your shopping habits and may share this information with its marketing partners. So, while it’s not as data-hungry as others, it’s still keeping an eye on what you’re up to when you shop.

Safety rating: 4/5

Cently has a solid track record when it comes to security, with no major incidents or breaches reported. It operates like the other extensions, tracking user behavior to deliver the best deals. While this is par for the course, it doesn’t expose your financial data, and users haven’t raised significant safety concerns.

Coupert

Privacy rating: 3/5

Coupert is a handy tool for automatically finding and applying coupon codes, but it does track your shopping behavior to provide these services. While it doesn’t appear to collect as much personal data as some of the bigger names, it does share information with its partners, mostly for marketing purposes. Like many other extensions, Coupert collects data on what you browse and buy, so privacy-focused users should take note.

Safety rating: 4/5

In terms of safety, Coupert has a good reputation. There haven’t been any major security breaches, and it provides a secure shopping experience overall. The extension doesn’t ask for financial information and encrypts user data, which helps keep it safe. As long as you’re okay with the data it does collect, you should feel safe using it.

10 tips for using online coupons safely 

Whether you’re using an extension like Honey or hunting for deals on your own, it’s important to stay sharp while saving. Here are 10 tips to make sure your discount doesn’t cost you more than you bargained for:

1. Stick to trusted websites

Don’t venture into the wilds of the internet for that extra 10% off. Stick to trusted retailers and well-known coupon sites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com. If a deal pops up on an unfamiliar site, it’s probably best to skip it.

2. Be cautious with social media deals

Seeing a big deal shared by a friend or a sponsored post on Facebook or Instagram? It might be tempting, but always verify the deal by going directly to the retailer’s site. Scammers love using fake ads and social media to lure people in.

3. Check URLs carefully

When clicking on a coupon link, hover over the URL before you click. If the web address looks off, like “bestdeals-retailers-discount123.me,” it’s a red flag. Stick to HTTPS sites you recognize and trust.

4. Don’t give up too much information

If a coupon code asks for personal information—like your email, home address or phone number—it’s time to back out. If a site asks for too much personal information, they’re likely after more than just your shopping habits.

5. Avoid public Wi-Fi

Shopping from a coffee shop or the mall? Don’t do it on public Wi-Fi without extra protection. If you need to shop on the go, it’s best to use a secure network. Or better yet, use a VPN from ExpressVPN to encrypt your connection and keep your data safe.

6. Keep your software updated

Whether it’s your browser, security software, or the coupon extension you use, always make sure everything is up to date. New updates often patch security vulnerabilities that could leave your device open to cyberattacks.

7. Use strong passwords

If you’re creating accounts to claim coupons or deals, don’t reuse your passwords. Use strong, unique passwords for each site or, even better, a password manager. This helps prevent your accounts from being compromised if a site gets hacked.

8. Don’t fall for pop-up pressure

If a pop-up window screams at you to act now or lose a deal in 5 minutes, close it. Real deals don’t disappear in a flash, and legitimate retailers don’t need to resort to such aggressive tactics.

9. Verify coupon codes before checkout

It’s always a good idea to double-check that a coupon code works before entering personal or payment information. Use trusted sources or the retailer’s own site to confirm whether the coupon is valid, so you’re not wasting time—or risking a scam.

10. Monitor your accounts

After you’ve redeemed a coupon or completed a purchase, keep an eye on your bank account or credit card statement. Look out for any suspicious charges. If something seems off, it’s better to catch it sooner rather than later.

Stay smart while you shop: Best practices for online safety

Along with the steps above, with Black Friday (November 29, 2024) and Cyber Monday (December 2, 2024) fast approaching, it’s also important to lock down your overall online security. Here are some final tips to keep your shopping safe:

Use two-factor authentication

Protect your accounts by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. It’s a simple step that adds an extra barrier, making it harder for hackers to access your info.

Monitor your bank statements

After you’ve snapped up those holiday deals, don’t forget to keep a close eye on your financial accounts. Look for any unfamiliar charges and act fast if you notice anything suspicious.

Check retailer reviews

Before purchasing from a new online store, look for reviews or search for any red flags. Websites that are poorly reviewed or have a history of complaints should be avoided, no matter how tempting the discount.

Set up alerts for unusual activity

Many banks and credit card companies offer real-time alerts for suspicious transactions. Activate these alerts to get notified immediately if something doesn’t seem right.

Beware of cloned websites

Scammers sometimes set up fake websites that look nearly identical to popular retailers. Double-check the URL and inspect the site for small inconsistencies (e.g., misspellings, strange layouts) before making any purchases.

Limit autofill

While autofill is convenient, it stores sensitive information in your browser that could be compromised if your device is hacked. Manually entering your details, especially for financial information, can provide an extra layer of security.

Use virtual credit cards

Many credit card companies now offer virtual card numbers for online shopping. These temporary numbers help protect your real card information by limiting how much information is shared with the retailer.