How to Spot Fake Coupon Codes and Avoid Scams

Coupon codes can save shoppers a substantial amount of money, but unfortunately, some fraudulent codes exist that are designed to scam consumers. Learning how to spot fake coupon codes is important to avoid being tricked by scams and protecting your money. In this article, we’ll cover the telltale signs of phony coupon codes and tips for avoiding coupon scams.

What are Fake Coupon Codes?

Fake coupon codes are codes that appear legitimate but do not actually provide any discount when entered at checkout. They are created by scammers to trick buyers into thinking they are getting a good deal when in reality, no discount is applied.

Some fake coupon codes may display an error message when entered, while others simply do not deduct any money from the total despite appearing valid. Either way, the goal is to deceive shoppers into wasting their time and effort on codes that provide no actual savings.

How Scammers Create Fake Coupon Codes

Scammers use a few different tactics to craft coupon codes that seem genuine but are really fraudulent:

Copying real codes - They observe legitimate discount codes being used and replicate the format but change one or two characters, hoping shoppers won't notice.
Making up random codes - Numbers and letters are combined in coupon code-style formats, whether they align with a retailer's policies or not.
Pretending to be from brands - Codes are advertised as coming directly from companies to build trust, even if the brands did not authorize them.
Spreading on fake coupon sites - Bogus sites, social media pages, and apps are set up solely for the purpose of spreading fake coupon codes to unsuspecting buyers.
Hijacking expired codes - When a retailer stops accepting an old promotion, scammers may continue spreading it, knowing it won't actually work anymore.
Targeting high-profile retailers - Big-name stores are most likely to attract people trying coupon codes, even if they're not real.

How to Spot a Fake Coupon Code

Here are some warning signs that a coupon code may be fake:

It's too good to be true. If a code is promising an unrealistic discount like 90% off everything, be skeptical. Legitimate coupons top out around 50% generally.
The format is wrong. Real codes follow set patterns retailers institute. If letters or numbers are out of place, that's a red flag.
The source is suspicious. User-generated sites like Reddit and coupons posted by unfamiliar people on social media warrant extra caution.
The terms are unclear. Lack of expiration date, limitations on products/categories, or other standard coupon details signals it could be fake.
It doesn't scan or apply at checkout. This is the surest sign - if entering the code produces an error or doesn't remove the promised amount from your total, don't complete the purchase.
You can't find any proof. Searching a code online should turn up evidence of it actually existing, like on the retailer's deals page. No proof means proceed with caution.
Spelling/grammar errors. Legit coupons are proofread and polished, so mistakes point to an unvetted, possibly fake code.
It requests personal information. Real coupons never ask for your address, email, or other private details when used.
You're pressured to buy quickly. Scammers want you to checkout before discovering their code is fraudulent. Legit deals don't create urgency.

Tips for Avoiding Coupon Scams

To stay protected when using coupons, keep these scam-avoidance practices in mind:

Only use codes found on the retailer's official website like Couponxoo, Couponupto, Michaels, etc., app, or in retail circulars/mailers. Their codes are 100% verified.
For brand coupon codes, check the company's social media pages or website for deals before trusting outside offers.
Don't feel obligated to use a coupon code right away. Take time to research it and look for reliable sources confirming its validity.

Beware of "free" or deals promising no strings attached. There are often catch limits or hidden fees with fake coupons.
Watch for too-good-to-be-true limitations. Scam codes waive taxes or free shipping on their face but fine print restricts actual use.
Never provide personal or payment information to redeem questionable coupon codes. Stick to retailer checkout after verifying codes there.
Use brand/corporate names cautiously when searching codes, as scammers replicate them in homepage URLs and social profiles.
If something seems suspicious, it's okay to skip using the code and forego the potential risk of falling for a scam. There will always be new legitimate deals.
Consider browser extensions that flag potential fraudulent coupons as you browse online.

Where to Find Reliable Coupons/ Deal

While it's important to know how to spot fake coupon codes, you also want to know where to look for reliable promotional deals. Here are some trusted sources for finding authentic coupon codes:

RetailMeNot

RetailMeNot is one of the most trusted coupon aggregator sites. They vet all offers to ensure they are current and valid at checkout. You can find coupons for hundreds of top online retailers here.

Coupons.com

Similarly, Coupons.com verifies all coupon codes on their site. You'll discover printable coupons as well as online-only deals for grocery shopping, dining out, travel and more.

CouponCabin

This coupon database is a reliable place to browse coupons organized by both category and retailer. All codes are double checked for authenticity before being posted.

BradsDeals

Brad's Deals is famous for sharing exclusive promo codes not easily found elsewhere. They typically feature discounts on clothing, electronics, services and more. All codes require verification upon submission.

Couponxoo

Couponxoo regularly updates its coupon collection with vetted codes. You can search their database or browse by top retailers for deals on apparel, home goods, toys and other shopping categories.

Couponuptoo

Similar to Couponxoo, Couponuptoo aggregates coupons that are confirmed valid. Search or filter through coupons from major brands and online stores, with new offers added daily.

Slickdeals

While Slickdeals isn't solely a coupon site, users frequently share and verify promo codes for online purchases. Browsing the forums by retailer or scrolling the "Hot Deals" feed exposes authenticated deals.

Honey

The Honey browser extension automatically finds and applies valid coupons at checkout for supported retailers. It's a fuss-free way to save on purchases without digging for individual coupon codes.

These prominent coupon and deal platforms strike the right balance of user-submitted coupons modulated by internal teams who fact-check for authenticity. Sticking to established websites streamlines the process of finding real savings opportunities without the worry of fraudulent promotions.

In conclusion, coupon codes provide solid savings when used correctly. But scammers prey on deal-hunting shoppers by circulating phony coupon codes. Taking time to verify codes through trusted retailers and looking out for scam red flags can keep customers' wallets safe from promotional deception tactics. Always question extremely generous offers and never share private details for questionable coupon redemptions. With care and diligence, consumers can confidently hunt discounts without risking exposure to coupon scams.