The unauthorized distribution of publisher-specific affiliate discount codes to public coupon platforms (Honey, RetailMeNot, DealNews, browser extensions), allowing non-referred consumers to use the code and generating commission for the publisher who didn't actually refer them. Common during high-value seasonal windows (Black Friday, holiday season) when codes are worth more and consumer coupon-hunting behavior peaks. Detection: monitor Google for "[brand] promo code" and "[publisher code]" weekly during Q4; check Honey, RetailMeNot, and Slickdeals for your codes. Prevention: publisher-specific codes with expiration dates matching the campaign window; alphanumeric codes harder to guess; code refresh between seasons so compromised codes expire. Commission impact: leakage inflates publisher reported GMV without delivering new customers; brands pay commission on sales that would have occurred anyway without the affiliate's referral.
Related Resources