3) Beware of strangers bearing e-bates

With much of the
world in the grips of a recession, coupon clipping is suddenly in vogue again. That’s true for online
shoppers, as well, where the hunger for e-coupons has spawned legions of Web
sites, including CouponSherpa.com, Ebates.com and the like. While reputable sites like these can be valuable sources of
information on online discounts, beware of unsolicited e-coupon offers via
e-mail, pop-up advertisements or social networks. Offers for e-coupons have
already been used as bait in phishing attacks and some hopeful shoppers have found that the e-coupon they want lies on
the other side of a lengthy and invasive “survey” or sign up sheet
that may try to trick you into divulging more personal or financial information than you should.