Fake Coupons Are Circulating Facebook Again: Here’s How to Spot Them
We all know the internet is full of scams — and social media is no exception.
Facebook has seen its share of scams over the years, but one that continues to dupe users into giving out personal information is fake coupons.
How to Spot Fake Coupons on Facebook
In July, both Kroger and Dollar General warned customers about fake coupons circulating Facebook. And now, within the last week alone, users have spotted two fake Aldi coupons — one for $10 off and another for a free $30 gift card.
So how can you tell the difference between real and fake coupons on Facebook? Watch out for these three warning signs.
1. Does it Sound Too Good to Be True?
One way to spot a fake coupon on Facebook is considering the value of the offer.
For example, this fake coupon for Aldi was for $100 off. That’s a pretty massive discount (and Aldi has repeatedly stated on its Facebook page that it does not accept electronic coupons). This fake Meijer coupon was for $75 — another pretty big discount.
The fake Lowe’s coupon that circulated Facebook last year was for $50. To receive the coupon, “all you had to do” was like the page that posted the deal, share the deal with your friends and fill out a survey.
If you come across a coupon offer asking you to like and share the post with your friends, it’s probably fake.
2. Is the Facebook Page Verified?
Another way to spot a fake offer is to check the page that’s sharing the coupon.
Facebook scammers often steal business logos and photos and use a similar name to create a fake page that looks exactly like the official page. For example, one of the fake Aldi coupons was posted by a page named Aldi US, but Aldi’s verified U.S. Facebook page is Aldi USA.
It’s easy to spot a verified Facebook page — just look for the blue circle with a checkmark next to the brand name. You may even find a warning on the brand name’s verified page, like this one from Aldi USA.
3. Are You Asked to Enter Personal Information or Download Anything?
If you do click on an offer and are taken to a page requesting that you fill out a survey that requires personal information, back out of it immediately, especially if it asks for financial information.
The same goes for any offers asking you to download software to access the coupon — you’re bound to get a virus instead.
Though it might be a common Facebook scam, fake coupons aren’t listed in the Facebook help center, so be sure to spread the word to your friends.
And if you do come across any fake coupons on the site, report them to Facebook and the brand being impersonated.
Jessica Gray is an editorial assistant at The Penny Hoarder.
