Special Report: Cracking the code

Susan Sweenie, shopper
"Probably saved about $60 on this."

These Massachusetts bargain hunters are saving big bucks.

Laura Pizzuti, shopper
"Buy one get one half off on the shoes, and I got free shipping."

Susan Sweenie, shopper
"Saved about $10-$15."

Not by clipping coupons, but by "clicking" on coupons.

They're finding secret savings in cyberspace many of us don't even know about.

Have you ever noticed this box at the checkout that asks for a discount code? Well, the Internet is full of Web sites whose job is to crack these exclusive codes.

There are plenty of these sites, including a local company called Couponheaven.com.

The sites scour through emails, online chats and store resources to track down these deal-making codes.

Stawn Barber, Couponheaven.com
"Couponheaven.com can assist people in saving money, finding out what the best deals, coupons, promotions are at over 800 stores."

Here's how it works: when you log onto to one of these secret saving sites you can select a store, like the Gap, or you can pick a brand name, like Dell computers. Then, go shopping at your selected store, and when you check out look for the box that says coupon code.

Type in the series of deal saving digits and letters, and let the bargains begin!

The savings can come in the form of a price cut, free shipping or both.

Maggie Souiri, Dealhunting.com
"You're able to get just about anything you want without having to pay retail price."

Laura Pizzuti, shopper
"It is. It definitely becomes addictive when you find a good deal you just want to keep looking for more."

And now that we've let you in on this "shopping secret," you too can "crack the code."

Here are some of the sites you can find coupon codes and amazing deals:
Coupon Heaven
Deal Hunting
Current Codes
Coupons.com
Coupon Cabin
Coupon Craze
E-Coupons
Flamingo World
E-Deal Info
Shoppers Resource
Coupon Mountain
Coupon Shack
Naughty Codes
Daily Deals
Shopping Bargains

(Copyright (c) 2006 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)