Honey Scam Exposed: How the Popular Browser Extension Scammed Millions

The Honey browser extension has been fully exposed through an in-depth investigation by YouTuber MegaLag. His research revealed affiliate commission theft, discount suppression, and deceptive practices that have scammed millions of users, including content creators who unknowingly promoted it.

As a cybersecurity blogger who first encountered Honey during its early days, I can confirm its long history of unethical behavior and intimidation tactics. This article details the extent of the Honey scam, how it exploits users, and why you should remove it from your browser.

How the Honey Scam Steals from Users and Creators

In December 2024, YouTuber MegaLag uncovered how Honey systematically steals affiliate commissions from content creators. The extension replaces tracking cookies when a user clicks an affiliate link, hijacking commissions that rightfully belong to the original referrer.

Honey operates like a dishonest salesperson intercepting a referral slip at a store to fraudulently claim credit for a sale. MegaLag’s tests showed that Honey consistently engages in this practice across multiple platforms, even when it does not provide any working coupon codes. This scam has cost influencers millions in stolen revenue.

Additionally, Honey has been caught suppressing better discounts. Partner stores control which coupons appear, ensuring only their preferred codes are applied. This contradicts Honey’s marketing claims that it finds users the “best deals” and instead manipulates discounts for profit.

Honey’s Use of Malicious Advertising Networks

Between 2012 and 2014, I discovered Honey being promoted through advertising networks linked to malware and adware. These networks are frequently used by torrent sites, illegal streaming services, and platforms distributing harmful software.

Unlike legitimate ad platforms, these networks deploy intrusive pop-ups, fake security alerts, and forced downloads. Many users unknowingly install unwanted software through deceptive bundling tactics.

Seeing Honey advertised through these channels raised immediate concerns. Ethical companies avoid these networks due to the reputational risk. Honey’s presence alongside known scams and malware suggested either a disregard for ethical marketing practices or a deliberate strategy to exploit users.

Honey’s History of Threatening Critics

After publishing an article warning users about the risks associated with Honey, I received legal threats and intimidation tactics from the company, pressuring me to take down my findings. Instead of addressing concerns, Honey focused on suppressing criticism.

By relying on aggressive legal action and intimidation, Honey demonstrated a clear pattern of prioritizing reputation management over ethical transparency.

Ongoing Pattern of Unethical Practices

Honey’s deceptive tactics did not begin with MegaLag’s investigation. Since its early days, the extension has engaged in:

• Affiliate theft – Hijacking commissions from creators and influencers.
• Coupon suppression – Preventing users from accessing legitimate discounts.
• Shady advertising – Using malware-linked ad networks for promotion.
• Intimidation tactics – Threatening critics with legal action.

While Honey has built a polished reputation through aggressive marketing campaigns, its underlying business model has remained consistently exploitative.

Why You Should Remove Honey

Honey is not a flawed but well-intentioned tool—it is a calculated scam. From stealing commissions to deceiving users with manipulated discounts, its practices demonstrate a complete disregard for transparency and fairness.

While Honey markets itself as a shopping assistant, its hidden costs include:

• Loss of legitimate savings – Suppressing better coupon codes.
• Compromised privacy – Tracking user data for affiliate manipulation.
• Exploitation of content creators – Stealing affiliate commissions.

By continuing to use Honey, consumers unknowingly support an extension that exploits users and businesses for profit. MegaLag’s findings confirm that these unethical practices are intentional, not accidental.

How to Remove Honey

If you have the Honey extension installed, follow these steps to remove it:

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
2. Select More tools > Extensions.
3. Find Honey and click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox and click the menu button (three horizontal lines).
2. Select Add-ons and Themes > Extensions.
3. Locate Honey, then click Remove.

By rejecting scam extensions like Honey, we can push for a tech industry that values fairness and integrity over deception.