Fake Discount Codes
Bogus voucher and coupon offers used to harvest data or lure shoppers to fake checkout pages.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
Fake discount code scams dangle voucher codes, gift cards or coupons to harvest personal data, push you to fake checkouts, or sign you up to costly subscriptions.
How it works
You see a 'free' or steep discount code shared via ads, email or social media. Claiming it requires entering personal or card details on a fake page, completing endless 'offers', or joining a hidden paid subscription.
Common red flags
- Codes that require full card or personal details to 'unlock'
- Endless surveys or offers before you get the code
- Off-brand domains and misspellings
- Hidden recurring charges in the terms
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
You've won a [amount] gift card from [brand]! Enter your card to verify and claim at [fake link].
Payment methods used
- Card details harvested
- Hidden subscriptions
Who is usually targeted
- Deal seekers
- Holiday shoppers
What to do immediately
- Do not enter card or personal details
- Check offers only on the brand's official site
- Cancel any unwanted subscription and watch your statement
Evidence to preserve
- The offer and link
- Any sign-up confirmations
- Statement entries
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Why would a coupon need my card details?
A genuine discount code never needs your card to 'verify'. Requests for card details, or chains of surveys, are signs the offer exists to harvest data or enrol you in paid subscriptions.