Fact Check

Wegmans $80 Coupon Scam

Grocery chain Wegmans warned Facebook users that a digital coupon was a scam.

Published Feb. 1, 2016

Claim:
Wegmans is offering an $80 coupon to Facebook users who complete a short series of steps.

In late January 2016, Facebook users began sharing a post that promised a $200 coupon for the Wegmans supermarket chain to users who completed a short series of steps. In July 2019, social media users began encountering a similar offer for an $80 coupon:

The embedded links in those posts pointed to a URL not associated with Wegmans. Users who attempted to complete the steps and claim the coupon were directed to a page that resembled content hosted on Facebook, but its URL didn't match the social network's. The landing page was familiar to all who had encountered similar scams in the past:

Wegmans_is_Giving-away_Free__200_Grocery_Coupon__limited_time_offer_

Wegmans' official Facebook page warned customers about the coupon scam:

A Better Business Bureau article provided shoppers tips about avoiding survey and coupon scams operating in that fashion:

Don't believe what you see. It's easy to steal the colors, logos and header of an established organization. Scammers can also make links look like they lead to legitimate websites and emails appear to come from a different sender.

Legitimate businesses do not ask for credit card numbers or banking information on customer surveys. If they do ask for personal information, like an address or email, be sure there's a link to their privacy policy.

When in doubt, do a quick web search. If the survey is a scam, you may find alerts or complaints from other consumers. The organization's real website may have further information.

Watch out for a reward that's too good to be true. If the survey is real, you may be entered in a drawing to win a gift card or receive a small discount off your next purchase. Few businesses can afford to give away $50 gift cards for completing a few questions.

Kim LaCapria is a former writer for Snopes.

David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994.