Honey Accused of Link Hijacking, Limiting Coupon options and Misleading advertisements

 

 

 

Honey, the popular browser extension designed to find and apply coupons for online shoppers, is under scrutiny following allegations of link hijacking, limiting coupon options, and misleading advertisements. While widely used for its convenience and perceived cost-saving benefits, recent reports have sparked questions about the transparency and ethics of Honey’s business practices.

Recently a YouTube creator accused the company of defrauding customers and influencers. MegaLag, a New Zealand-based YouTuber known for investigating tech companies and products posted a video titled “Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam” where he alleged Honey of affiliate link hijacking, limiting coupon options and misleading advertisements. 

One of the primary concerns revolves around claims that Honey engages in link hijacking. Allegedly, Honey modifies affiliate links on e-commerce platforms to claim commissions originally intended for other affiliates, influencers, or even the platforms themselves. For instance, if an influencer shares a discount link for a product, Honey might overwrite the original affiliate code with its own during the checkout process. 

Another accusation facing Honey is its alleged limitation of available coupon options. While the extension markets itself as a comprehensive solution to finding the best deals, critics claim that it prioritizes specific merchants or partnerships. Reports suggest that Honey may selectively display or apply coupons that benefit its affiliates rather than presenting users with the best available discounts. This could result in shoppers missing out on better deals while being misled into believing they are saving the most money. Such practices could harm consumers and erode trust in Honey’s promise of maximizing savings.

The YouTuber further stated that while Honey's unique selling point is its ability to find the "best available coupon codes," his investigation revealed a different reality. He discovered that Honey was prioritizing coupons from its partner stores, often overlooking better deals that users could access from other sources.

Misleading advertising is another area where Honey has faced criticism. Some users and industry analysts have pointed out discrepancies between Honey’s marketing claims and its actual functionality. For instance, advertisements often highlight massive savings for users, but these claims may not reflect the typical user experience.

Critics argue that Honey’s promotional material exaggerates its capabilities, making promises that do not hold up in real-world use. This could mislead users into installing the extension under false pretenses, only to find that their savings are minimal or inconsistent.

In response to these allegations, Honey has maintained that its operations are legitimate and that it complies with industry standards. The company argues that it provides a valuable service to millions of users by simplifying the shopping experience and offering real-time savings opportunities.