You need look no further than your nearest computer to find ways to get free gift cards. Companies are hitting social media sites to gain consumers and to spread the word on deals. You will be alerted to offers by becoming a fan on Facebook or a Twitter follower.

Last year, when Sears jumped on the Facebook bandwagon, it offered $5 gift cards to the first 10,000 people who became fans within a given time frame. They quickly reached that goal, and offered $10 coupons to the next group of fans.

Following Twitterers who hunt for sales and discounts can also lead you to free cards. The buzz on Twitter right now is that Walmart is offering an early Black Friday deal where customers who buy an Xbox 360 will receive a free $100 gift card.

There are also money-saving sites and businesses that offer their own deals. Back in August, GiftCardRescue.com, the online site for exchanging gift cards, had a promotion to get 500 followers on Twitter (#giftcardrescue). One of the first 500 followers would receive a $50 Visa gift card.

Even musician Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) is offering $50 Western Union gift cards to the first 300 people in line at one of his New York concerts.