A tried and true way to save money in a tough economy is clipping coupons. Because of the Internet, however, a savvy consumer no longer has to wield a pair of scissors in order to reap rewards.
The popularity of online coupons is on the rise and Better Business Bureau offers the following advice for identifying a deal and avoiding deceptive offers:
• Consumers should check to see if the coupon is being offered directly by the store or if it is being offered by a third-party such as a partner or affiliate. If it is via a third-party, they might ask for additional info or require that the consumer sign up for additional services to redeem the coupon. If so, BBB recommends using extreme caution before divulging any personal information and consumers can check the company out, free of charge, at www.calgary.bbb.org.
• BBB advises coupon clickers to be wary of pop-up ad coupon offers that require you to immediately click to redeem. Clicking on the ad may automatically sign the consumer up for services they were not interested in receiving, causing them to be billed every month.
• Carefully read the terms and conditions for the use of the coupon, check for the expiration date, limitations of use and whether it is an online coupon good for only online purchases or if it can also be redeemed at the physical store location.
• Because some stores are concerned about fraud related to online coupons, not all businesses are eager to redeem them. BBB recommends contacting the store where you wish to use the coupon directly to find out whether the coupon is being honoured or not.
• Be extremely cautious if the coupon requires that the consumer call the company to redeem the value of the coupon, and/or has any requirement to give personal information.
• Don’t fall for phony coupons via email. Many fake coupons have been making the rounds via email and just because it may come from a friend or family member, don’t assume the coupon is legitimate.
For more advice, visit www.calgary.bbb.org.