Couponing 101 - Avoid Counterfeits and Fraud

Earlier this year I posted yesterday about an $8 huggies coupon that was circulating.

Where can I find legitimate coupons?
If you print a coupon from Coupons.com, Smartsource, CouponNetwork, RedPlum, or other links on the left hand side of my blog... you can be sure that what you have is a valid coupon.  However, you may notice a coupon on the fraud list that looks like a valid printable. If someone mass copies a printable coupon – it will show up on the fraudulent list.  Always be sure to print your two from a legitimate source and never copy a coupon.

My buddy Mojo posted a great article on how to spot and stop a fake coupons. Clearly none of us want to use them!! The fines are HEFTY!!!! (think 17 years in jail and $250K in fines)

Here are some general tips about how to avoid falling prey to counterfeit coupons:

• Simply use the coupons you obtain from your newspaper, manufacturer’s web site or their authorized coupon distributor.
• Never pay money for a coupon (coupon books from trusted retailers excluded).
• Do not download coupons from Internet forums.
• Google a deal or coupon if it seems too good to be true.
• If a friend e-mails you coupons that look unprofessional, especially high value or free product coupons, they may be counterfeit.
• Most manufacturers follow common sense practices about Internet Print-at-Home Coupons, for example, the coupon itself should not be visible on your computer screen.  A copy of these guidelines is available here: http://www.cents-off.com/doc/InternetCouponStudy042308.pdf.
• For a copy of guidelines and to see a list of identified fraudulent coupons, go to Coupon Information Center’s website: http://www.cents-off.com/coupon-fraud-list.php?st=84bc3.

For an image of the fraudulent coupon and ways of identity it, please direct your readers to the following link: http://www.fritolay.com/about-us/most-common-questions.html#1
Ways to identify this fraudulent Doritos coupon:

• Offer is for a free bag up to $5
• No purchase required and doesn’t feature a CIC hologram foil strip under expiration date
• There is only one barcode in the right hand side
• Coupon was distributed via e-mail

Avoid Coupon Fraud

• The Coupon Information Center has not lost a case since they began in May of 1986.
• 3-5 years in prison is a common sentence for committing coupon fraud (longest sentence: 17 years)
• Fines are often in the excess for $200,000 (highest fine: $5 million)

What is coupon fraud:

1. Using a scanner, printer, or copier to make copies of coupons.
2. Using expired coupons, unless the store specifically states in their coupon policy that they do accept expired coupons.
3. Using coupons on products other than the product specified in the print (e.g. using a coupon for Original Cheerios on Honey Nut Cheerios).
4. Using a coupon for a product or size excluded by the fine print on the coupon (e.g. using a coupon that says “excludes trial size” on a trial size product).
5. Using the coupon when purchasing a different quantity than specified on the coupon (e.g. using a coupon for $0.50/2 on a single product instead of 2).
6. Altering and/or modifying a coupon in any way.
7. Using a coupon any way other than how it is specified on the coupon.

If you have any coupon fraud questions you can go to the CIC, Coupon Information Corporation and see fraudulent coupons and ask questions.

And I posted about that stupid couponing show that TLC airs HERE