PayPal's popular browser extension Honey, boasting 19 million Chrome users, faces serious allegations of deceptive practices that have rocked the influencer marketing world. A groundbreaking investigation by content creator MegaLag has exposed what's being dubbed "the Honey influencer scam."
The browser extension, which promises to automatically find and apply the best discount codes during online shopping, appears to be engaging in questionable practices that harm both consumers and content creators.
According to MegaLag's extensive investigation, which included reviewing documents, emails, and advertisements, Honey allegedly prevents users from accessing the best available discounts. Testing revealed that better coupon codes could often be found manually compared to what Honey provided. The investigation suggests Honey makes special arrangements with retailers to control which discount codes shoppers can access.
Perhaps most concerning is Honey's alleged treatment of influencer affiliate links. The extension has been heavily promoted by major content creators like MrBeast and Marques Brownlee. However, the investigation reveals that Honey allegedly removes affiliate link cookies when users click through from YouTube videos or other platforms, effectively cutting creators out of their earned commissions.
In one striking example, Honey reportedly intercepted a $35 NordVPN subscription commission, leaving the original affiliate empty-handed while returning just $0.89 to the customer as cashback.
When confronted, Honey defended its practices. PayPal representative Josh Criscoe told The Verge that the extension "follows industry rules and practices, including last-click attribution." However, PayPal has remained silent on accusations regarding limited coupon code access.
As MegaLag promises additional revelations in upcoming videos, the scandal continues to unfold. The investigation suggests shoppers might find better deals by searching for discount codes independently rather than relying on the extension.
The revelations have sparked widespread concern in the influencer community and raised questions about transparency in affiliate marketing practices. What was once praised as a helpful shopping tool now faces scrutiny as potentially one of the largest influencer marketing deceptions in recent history.