What is the Honey Scam?
You’ve probably heard about Honey, the browser extension claiming to save money by automatically applying coupon codes at checkout. But what if I told you it might be more of a scam than a saving tool? In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into how Honey operates, how it affects influencers and consumers alike, and why you might want to reconsider using it.
Honey markets itself as a free browser extension that finds and applies coupon codes for you, promising a hassle-free shopping experience. But is it really free? The truth is that when something appears to be free, you might be the product. As we explore further, you’ll see how Honey has been accused of deceptive practices that not only hurt consumers but also the very influencers who promote it.
The Allure of Honey
Honey has been heralded as a revolutionary tool, with countless influencers pushing it as a must-have for online shoppers. It’s tempting to think you can save money effortlessly; however, the reality is much murkier. Influencers have unknowingly been promoting a service that essentially robs them of their hard-earned commissions.
Let’s break down how this system works. Imagine you’re watching a tech review on YouTube. The influencer discusses a product and includes an affiliate link. When you click that link and make a purchase, the influencer earns a commission. But if you have Honey activated, things can go awry.
Honey Scam exposed by megalag
How Honey Steals Commissions
When you reach the checkout page with Honey enabled, it claims to find you coupon codes. However, what really happens is that Honey replaces the influencer’s affiliate cookie with its own. This means that even if you were going to give credit to the influencer for your purchase, Honey snatches that opportunity away.
Picture this scenario: you’re ready to buy a new CPU after watching a video from a popular tech influencer. You click their affiliate link, which carries a tracking tag. But when you reach the checkout page and Honey pops up, it opens a new tab, claiming to search for discounts. In doing so, it replaces the influencer’s tracking tag with its own, pocketing the commission for itself.
What Influencers Are Losing
This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a massive financial hit for influencers. The scam could have cost content creators millions. Many influencers are unaware that their promotions are being undermined by a tool they thought would help their audience save money.
One high-profile example is Linus Tech Tips, which had been promoting Honey for years. It wasn’t until 2022 that they realized Honey was overriding their affiliate links. The realization came as a shock, especially considering the vast number of sponsored segments they had produced.
The Mechanics of Honey Gold
Another layer to this scheme is Honey Gold, now known as PayPal Rewards. This feature incentivizes users to allow Honey to claim the commission on their purchases. In return, users receive points that they can redeem later. But how much of that commission is actually shared with the consumer?
In a shocking test, it was revealed that for a $35 commission, users received only 89 cents back in points. This raises the question: is it worth it to sacrifice an influencer’s commission for a meager return?
Misleading Claims and Advertising Fraud
Honey’s advertising claims are equally questionable. They promote the idea that they find every working coupon code on the internet, yet many users report that Honey often fails to find better deals than those available through manual searches.
The reality is that Honey frequently only presents codes that are branded with its name, like “Honey 10” or “Honey 5,” limiting the potential savings for consumers. Furthermore, Honey maintains control over which coupon codes are made available, effectively withholding better deals from users.
The Broader Impact on Affiliate Marketing
The implications of Honey’s practices extend beyond just individual influencers. They undermine the entire affiliate marketing ecosystem, where small creators, bloggers, and artists rely on commissions to support their work. By redirecting commissions, Honey disrupts the ability of these creators to earn a living.
The situation raises ethical questions about the role of corporate giants in the influencer economy. Should a company like PayPal, which owns Honey, be allowed to manipulate affiliate systems in this way?
Rethinking Your Use of Honey after The Honey Scam exposed by megalag
Honey’s practices are far from benign. The browser extension that promised to save you money is, in many cases, robbing both consumers and influencers of their rightful earnings. If you’re using Honey, it may be time to reconsider your choice.
Instead of relying on a tool that could be undermining the very creators you support, consider exploring other options that respect the affiliate marketing system and the creators behind it.
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