Coupon fraud occurs whenever someone intentionally uses a coupon for a product that he/she has NOT purchased or otherwise fails to satisfy the terms and conditions for redemption, when a retailer submits coupons for products they have not sold or that were not properly redeemed by a consumer in connection with a retail purchase; or when coupons are altered/counterfeited. These activities are almost always in violation of Federal, State or local laws.
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:
- Using a scanner, printer, or copier to make copies of coupons.
- Using expired coupons, unless the store specifically states in their coupon policy that they do accept expired coupons.
- Using coupons on products other than the product specified in the print (e.g. using a coupon for Original Cheerios on Honey Nut Cheerios).
- 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).
- 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).
- Altering and/or modifying a coupon in any way.
- 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.
Thanks Tiffany@MyLitter!
