Home : News : 12 for Action :

Your Browser does Not Support iFrames

Call 12 for Action

Paying off debt with long term loans

While the economy is slowly rebounding and debt is being paid …

Chrysler agrees to recall 2.7 million Jeeps

Chrysler agrees to recall 2.7M Jeeps

Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the …

Providence playground receives facelift

One Providence playground is getting a much-needed facelift …

How much protein should you be eating?

Do you get enough protein in your diet? According to some food …

Saving on air conditioning costs

Air conditioning costs can get expensive during the hot summer …

Phony coupons meant to dupe consumers

How you may be getting more than a bargain

Updated: Saturday, 26 Jan 2013, 5:43 AM EST
Published : Thursday, 24 Jan 2013, 7:02 PM EST

Reporting By Susan Hogan
By: Stephanie Mangano

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)-- Online coupon websites are scamming consumers into handing over their personal information.

The Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers that some coupon websites are offering phony coupons and stealing personal information. The companies then sell that information to spammers that flood email and mail boxes.

According to the BBB:

Fake websites can look official, even using business logos
Lure consumers in with big savings
Ask for personal information to retrieve the coupon
Redirects you to a promotion or other untrustworthy website

Call 12 For Action warns how to spot the fakes:

Be wary of coupons that offer exceptionally high deals
Look for legal language and expiration dates
Never pay for coupons

The Coupon Information Corporation has information on what to do if you have been targeted and lists trusted offerings on its website.

If you have a consumer problem you need help solving, contact the Call 12 for Action center Monday through Thursday from 11am-1pm at (401) 228-1850.

Ground rules for posting comments: No profanity or personal attacks. Please comment on the subject of the story itself. If you do not follow these rules, we will remove your post. Keep it civil, folks!

Our commenting section is powered by IntenseDebate. If you registered for an account but didn't receive a verification e-mail, check your spam folder or click here for more information. For additional technical help, click here.