There are several strategies to maximize your online shopping experience with discounts:

1. **Coupon Codes:** These are perhaps the most common form of online discount. You can find coupon codes on numerous websites, blogs, and even social media channels. Some online stores also offer these codes directly on their websites or through their email newsletters.

2. **Sales and Clearance:** Keep an eye out for sales. Many online stores conduct season-ending sales, holiday sales, and flash sales that cut prices significantly.

3. **Loyalty Programs:** Sign up for loyalty programs. Many online stores offer loyalty or rewards programs that give points for each dollar spent. These points can often be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.

4. **Cashback Websites:** Use cashback websites. These sites collaborate with various online shops and provide cashback when you shop through their link.

5. **Abandon Cart:** Add items to your cart then leave without completing the purchase. Some stores will send you a discount code to encourage you to complete your purchase.

6. **Newsletters Sign up:** Sign up for newsletters. These often come with a welcome discount and they'll keep you updated about any upcoming sales or special discounts.

7. **Compare Prices:** Use price comparison websites to ensure you're getting the best deal.

8. **Free Shipping:** Try to hit the free shipping limit. Shipping fees can increase the overall cost of your purchase, so take advantage of free shipping when you can.

Remember that the goal of shopping online is to save both money and time, so use these strategies wisely!

Using coupon codes found on social media can indeed be safe, but it's important to always exercise caution. Here are a few tips to bear in mind:

1. **Official Accounts:** Always ensure the coupon codes are being shared by the official accounts of the brand or retailer. These accounts are usually verified with a blue checkmark so look for that to ensure authenticity.

2. **Reputable Sites:** There are a number of reputable coupon code sharing sites that have official partnerships with brands and retailers. These sites are generally safe to use.

3. **Scams:** Be cautious of scams. If a deal or coupon seems too good to be true, it often is. Also, never share personal or sensitive information in exchange for a coupon code.

4. **Expiration Date:** Ensure the coupon code isn't expired. Many coupon codes have specific validity periods.

5. **Terms and Conditions:** Read the terms and conditions of the coupon code. Some are available for use only for specific items or have a minimum purchase requirement.

6. **Safe Browsing:** Use secured websites for online shopping. The website URL should start with "https" instead of just "http". The "s" stands for secure and means that your information is encrypted and safer from would-be thieves.

Following these tips can ensure your discount hunting doesn't lead to compromises in safety or security.

Identifying whether a coupon code shared on social media comes from an official account can be determined by these steps:

1. **Verification Badge**: Official accounts on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram have a blue check mark adjacent to their profile name. This denotes that the social media platform has certified the account as the official representative of the brand.

2. **Look at the Followers**: Official accounts usually have a high number of followers. This isn't an absolute way to determine authenticity, but it's a good clue.

3. **Quality and Consistency of Posts**: Official accounts usually have high-quality posts, regular updates, product pictures or services, and engage with their audience regularly.

4. **URL in Bio or Post**: The official account will usually have their official website in the bio or the posts they share. You can click and verify if it directs to the official website.

5. **Business Information**: An authentic account would have business hours, contact information, business description, location (if applicable), all filled out accurately.

6. **Doubt**: If in doubt, you can always visit the retailer's official website and contact their customer service for verification.

Remember to be careful and keep your personal information safe while shopping online. And enjoy your discounts!

Protecting your personal information while shopping online is crucial. Here are several tips for maintaining your security and protecting your personal data:

1. **Secure Connection**: Always ensure that the website you're shopping on uses a secure, encrypted connection. You can identify this if the URL starts with "https://".

2. **Reputable Retailers**: Stick to well-known, reputable retailers. If you're considering buying from an unfamiliar online store, research it first to ensure that it's legitimate and trustworthy.

3. **Avoid Public Wi-Fi**: Try to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for online shopping, as these networks may not be secure and your personal information could be stolen.

4. **Credit over Debit**: Choose to pay with a credit card over a debit card when possible, as credit cards often offer better fraud protection.

5. **Update Your Devices**: Keep the software, including security software, browsers and apps, on your devices updated to protect against the latest threats.

6. **Be Wary of Email Scams**: Be wary of emails requesting your personal information. Directly navigate to the website and log in there, rather than through a dubious link sent to your inbox.

7. **Use Strong, Unique Passwords**: Use strong and unique passwords for shopping sites, and change them regularly.

8. **Regularly Monitor Your Accounts**: Regularly check your credit card and bank accounts for any fraudulent charges.

9. **Privacy Policies and Terms & Conditions**: Read the privacy policy and terms & conditions of the online stores before making a purchase, this should give you an idea on how they handle your personal information.

By incorporating these practices into your online shopping habits, you can maintain your security and enjoy a safer shopping experience.