Warning: counterfeit coupons are on the rise

What retiree on a fixed income doesn’t like to save money? Coupons are a helpful way to do that, but scammers increasingly use that fact to their advantage. 

Counterfeit coupons – phony discounts made to look like official offers – are tricking shoppers into handing over money and personal information, often with devastating results. According to consumer advocates, these scams are circulating widely online, particularly through social media platforms, email inboxes, and misleading websites.

These fake coupons usually promise deep discounts that seem too good to be true – because they are. Many feature well-known brands’ logos, making them appear legitimate at first glance.

Phony promo codes and fake stores

One common scam begins when a shopper sees an online ad promoting huge discount at a popular retailer. After clicking the link, the shopper places an order and enters the promo code—only to later learn that the website was never real. Some victims receive a bogus tracking number showing a “delivered” package that never actually existed. When they try to request a refund, the website disappears or stops responding.

One consumer told the Better Business Bureau they placed an order after receiving a “special discount” via text. They never received their package, and both the seller and the phone number behind the text message stopped responding.

Another variation involves websites selling access to “exclusive coupons” for a monthly fee. Shoppers who sign up may never receive anything, or may receive counterfeit coupons that can’t be used. Worse, they’ve given scammers access to personal and financial information.

Bait-and-switch marketplace listings

Scammers also plant coupon offers on legitimate sites such as eBay to lure buyers elsewhere. In one case, shoppers were directed to an outside website advertising a drone for $200 less than retail. After paying by credit card, customers received a tracking number that never updated. When questioned, the seller claimed the payment hadn’t “cleared,” even though credit card transactions are instant. Soon after, the seller disconnected their phone number—along with any hope of a refund.

Some scams ask consumers to share a link on social media in exchange for a coupon. This link leads to a third-party site that harvests personal information. In most cases, no coupon ever arrives.

Advice for older adults

Staying safe starts with a healthy dose of skepticism—especially when a deal doesn’t feel quite right. Here are key tips:

1. Be cautious of unbelievable bargains.
   If a coupon promises a discount close to—or higher than—the retail price, it’s probably fake.
2. Verify the source.
   Real coupons come from official retailers, manufacturers, or trusted coupon distributors. When unsure, go directly to the company’s website or call their customer service line.
3. Look carefully at links and email addresses.
   Hover over links before clicking to see where they lead. Avoid strange or shortened URLs, and be wary of emails from unfamiliar senders.
4. Inspect the coupon itself.
   Misspellings, blurry logos, missing expiration dates, or photocopied images are all warning signs.
5. Never provide personal information to get a coupon.
   Legitimate businesses do not request credit card numbers or bank details in exchange for discounts.
6. Search before you shop.
   Entering the coupon name plus the word “scam” into a search engine can reveal warnings from other consumers.

Scammers continue to become more sophisticated, but a little caution goes a long way, especially for older adults who may be targeted for their trust or desire to stretch a budget. Before clicking, sharing, or buying, take a moment to verify the offer. When in doubt, remember: if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.