I posted this a while back but felt the need to repost after my experience in Target today. I was behind a woman buying a few items and using coupons. Not out of the ordinary till the cashier called a manager over. They told her they would accept the coupon today but they will not longer be accepting those types of coupons because of fraudulent coupons going around. Of course I had to ask them what coupons they were referring too. She mentioned coupons that had no expiration date and would not scan.
CNN Money recently published an article Manufacturers, Retailers Facing Rising Coupon Fraud about the increase in coupon fraud. This article website is no longer working. Here is a similar article by DMNews. In 2007 there were 9 cases of coupon fraud that were investigated and/or prosecuted. In 2008 there were 93 cases and it’s expected to rise. This is costing manufactureres millions of dollars and one company said they estimate coupon fraud losses to be over 3 million a year. This is crazy and scary! Here’s what they said about 2 specific companies:
In January 2008, Nestle Purina Petcare Co. issued 250 coupons for a free bag of its adult dry dog food. As of May 5, the company said, 2,754 coupons for the product have been redeemed, but declined to comment further on coupon fraud.
This month, Coca-Cola Co. (KO) had to withdraw a free 12-pack coupon from its “My Coke Rewards” program due to “widespread counterfeiting,” warning consumers in a statement that “attempts to submit counterfeit coupons may result in civil action or criminal prosecution.”
The article is worth reading if you use coupons. I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating. Those of us who are saving our family money, by clipping and using coupons, are the ones that will suffer at the hands of fraudulent users. Manufacturers and retailers will have to make changes and they may not be beneficial to us. Please be aware of where you are getting your coupons from, especially if they are internet printable ones. There are legitimate websites like:
And of course manufacturer websites. Most of these will allow you to print 2 coupons per computer. If you need more than the limit, ask a family member or friend to print them for you. NEVER make a photo copy. If you receive coupon information in your email, make sure it’s from a legitimate source. If you are not sure, ask someone. You can even Google it and most likely find your answer.
Read the recent post I wrote about 2 counterfeit coupons circulating the internet. You can also read my previous post about Walmart and coupon fraud.
The good news is, coupon usage is also on the rise. So retailers and manufacturers see that it’s working and how many people need to use them in these economic times.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Just wanted to let you know that the link to the CNN Money article is not working. Thanks!
Hey Michelle, Thanks for letting me know. That’s what I get for posting after 10 pm!
I’ve linked to a similar article. I hate when good articles disappear.
Thanks again
Karen