Love a good deal? Same here. But here’s the catch — scammers know we can’t resist a great coupon, and they’re getting sneakier every year. They make fake offers look legit, spread fast on social media, and trick even savvy shoppers into handing over personal info.

The good news? Once you know their playbook, spotting fake coupons becomes second nature. You’ll save time, protect your data, and focus on finding real, verified deals on trusted platforms like Groupon Coupons, where every offer is checked for authenticity.

Consumers in the United States lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, marking the highest losses ever reported to the FTC — up a billion from the year before. Let’s break down how coupon scams actually work — and how you can steer clear of them while still saving big.

Why Fake Coupons Are Everywhere (and How They Hook You)

Fake coupons aren’t just annoying — they’re part of a billion-dollar problem. Scammers love them because they prey on our instinct to save. When a deal promises big savings, we tend to act fast and ask questions later — it’s the perfect bait. As more shopping moved online, these fakes began spreading faster than ever, especially across social media.

How they go viral

Scammers spin up look-alike brand pages and polished graphics so posts feel legit, then rely on a simple formula: eye-popping discount, click-through link, and a nudge to “share and comment.” That engagement is the engine — every share pushes the post into more feeds, borrowing credibility from friends. If a deal demands you amplify it to “unlock” savings, treat it as a red flag, not a shortcut.

What they're really after

The goal isn’t the discount — it’s your data. Emails, phone numbers, even birthdays can be packaged and sold to other scammers, fueling more phishing and targeted cons. If a “coupon” asks for more than a basic email signup, or pressures you for personal details, back out and look for the same offer from a trusted source.

Now that you know the playbook, here are the quick signs to spot the fakes.

5 Signs a Coupon is a Scam

Now that you know how these scams work, let's talk about spotting them in the wild. These red flags can help you identify fake coupons before you click, share, or give up any personal information.

1. Deals that are too good to be true

We've all heard this advice, but it's worth repeating because it's so accurate. If a major retailer is supposedly offering 70% off everything or giving away free expensive items, take a step back. Real retailers rarely offer massive discounts without a very good reason.

Compare the deal to what the retailer typically offers. If they usually max out at 20% off and suddenly there's a 60% off "exclusive" coupon floating around social media, that's your first clue something's off.

2. Suspicious URLs and shortened links

Before clicking any coupon link, hover over it to see where it actually goes. Legitimate retailer coupons should direct you to the official website — you'll see the familiar domain name you'd expect.

Be especially wary of shortened links (like bit.ly or tinyurl) that hide the real destination. While these aren't always malicious, scammers love them because they make it impossible to see where you're really headed until after you click.

3. Missing fine print and terms

Legitimate coupons come with terms and conditions — expiration dates, minimum purchase requirements, exclusions, and limitations. It's like the nutrition label on food packaging: it might not be exciting, but it's always there on the real thing.

Fake coupons often skip these details entirely or keep them suspiciously vague. If you can't find clear terms about when the offer expires or what it applies to, that's a red flag worth noting.

4. Pressure to share, comment, or act fast

Real deals don't usually require you to share them with friends or leave comments to "unlock" the discount. If a coupon demands social media engagement before you can use it, that's the viral spread mechanism we talked about earlier.

Similarly, legitimate retailers don't typically create artificial urgency with phrases like "Only 10 minutes left!" or "Share now or lose this forever!" Real sales have real timeframes, and they don't need to pressure you into immediate social media action.

5. Coupons that ask you to pay or fill in surveys

Real coupons lower prices — they don’t charge you “processing” or “shipping” fees to redeem them. If you’re asked to complete a survey or download an app to unlock a discount, that’s a sure sign of a scam.

How to Verify Any Coupon Before You Click

Verifying a coupon takes less than a minute and can save you from spam, scams, and wasted time. Here’s what to check before you click.

Stick to trusted sources

For verified savings without the guesswork, start with Groupon Coupons. Every offer is checked for authenticity, and you’ll find reliable codes for top brands all in one place — think Target, Walmart, Sephora, Best Buy, Adidas, and Macy’s. It’s faster than hunting across social posts, and you’re not risking clicks on shady links.

If you’re browsing brand-owned channels, use the retailer’s official site or app and look for clear terms (expiry dates, exclusions, usage limits). But when you want breadth plus vetting, a well-established platform like Groupon is your safest bet — expired or fake codes get pulled, and you can compare deals from multiple trusted stores in minutes.

You can also check the Coupon Information Center or the FTC’s Consumer Alerts for updates on known scams.

Check URLs before you click

Make URL checking a habit, just like reading ingredient labels or checking prices. Look for the official domain name of the retailer, proper spelling, and secure connections (that little lock icon in your browser).

If you're unsure about a link, don't click it. Instead, go directly to the retailer's website and look for the same offer there. It takes an extra minute, but it's worth it to avoid potential headaches.

Never give personal info for a coupon

Legitimate coupons don't require your Social Security number, detailed personal information, or payment details upfront. An email address for a newsletter signup? That's normal. Your phone number, address, and birthday for a simple discount code? That's a red flag.

When in doubt, ask yourself: does this retailer really need this much information just to give me 15% off? Usually, the answer is no.

Look for legitimate terms and conditions

Real retailers—think Booking.com, eBay, or Amazon—always include clear expiry dates, exclusions, and usage limits. If the terms seem too vague or too generous (like "unlimited use" or "never expires"), take a closer look at the source before proceeding.

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

If you've already clicked a suspicious link or shared personal information, don't panic. There are steps you can take to minimize potential damage and protect yourself going forward.

Damage control steps

First, change any passwords for accounts that might be compromised, especially if you entered login information on the suspicious site. Monitor your email for unusual activity and be extra cautious about any new messages asking for personal information.

If you provided financial information, contact your bank or credit card company to let them know about the potential security issue. They can help monitor your accounts for unusual activity and advise you on next steps.

Reporting the scam

Report the post to the platform (fake account/scam), flag the impersonated brand, and submit details to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you shared info, monitor your accounts and consider a fraud alert with your bank or card issuer.

1. Fraud is costing — Santa Clara County Privacy Office
2. BBB Scam Alert: Watch out for fake coupons on social media — Better Business Bureau