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Better Business Bureau warns shoppers about fake coupons on Black Friday

Posted at 7:02 PM, Nov 22, 2016
and last updated 2018-07-24 21:30:33-04

The Better Business Bureau has a warning for shoppers who aim to look for coupons online to use on Black Friday.

According to BBB Regional Director Adam Price, the coupons that are not from business websites may be fake.

In addition, he said some shoppers who are trying to search for a deal, may end up clicking on websites that are not legitimate.

"It's an opportunity for scam artists and con men to steal money from folks when you are putting things in your shopping cart online and you put your credit card information and if it's not a secure website,” Price said.

He recommends to scroll over a link to look at the website address before clicking on it.

"You will be able to see if it's the actual company doing the advertising. What we often tell folks is If you are that interested in a particular business, go to their website and click on their social media links directly,” Price said.

Zoie Keating and her cousin Dejan Paul who plan to shop on Black Friday said only look for deals included in the newspaper.

"It makes it a lot more organized so at least we know what we are looking for walking around the store, because it's just so crowded,” Keating said.

During the shopping holiday, Price said they see more people being victims of scams.

"We see it more often because everybody is out there shopping. If 151 million Americans are shopping, there is going to be the opportunity for someone to be taken advantage of,” Price said.

He recommends shoppers to plan ahead, do their research and relax on Black Friday.

"You're not supposed to go to the grocery store when you're hungry, the same thing with shopping out there at the stores. You want to have a list,” Price said.

In addition, he recommends to have a budget and read the fine print on legitimate coupons before shopping.

"When you are clipping coupons, you are seeing ads, you want to make sure that you are reading the fine print, make sure that is eligible for the time that you are going to be in the store,” Price said.

Some stores start their Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving Day. 

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