Photo Credit: Jenny from Southern Savers
This topic makes me so very sad. The fact is that coupons have literally saved many households from massive debt and transformed the lifestyles of millions of people nationwide. Just from the numerous emails I get daily from my small pool of readers – you’re saving big and it’s a real blessing to your family. So when I hear about stores buckling down on their coupon policies as a result of “coupon fraud” it makes me sick.
Coupon fraud hurts everyone and it’s just not right! The stores do not get reimbursed if a coupon is not used properly, is expired, or altered. You are in fact stealing if you knowingly use a coupon in a way it is not intended to be used.
If you’re unsure if a coupon is valid, you can check this list of known fraudulent coupons first. You should know that ANY coupon I post here on The Frugal Find is safe to use and coupons from coupons.com, redplum.com, or smartsource.com have their own encrypted fraud safeguarding. They can and have been able to track back to individuals who abuse these coupons by making photo copies or altering their printers computers to override print limits. Please DO NOT take part in any of these practices.
Coupon Fraud is a punishable crime. The CIC and it’s members have worked on every significant case of coupon fraud with the Federal, State, and Local law enforcement since it’s inception in 1986.
Worst case scenario consequences of coupon fraud:
- Longest prison sentence: 17 years
- Highest financial penalty: $5 million
- Prison sentences of three to five years are not u common.
- Financial penalties generally vary, but have often been in excess of $200,000.
I found the following info to be very helpful from hotcouponworld.com.
The following are examples of coupon fraud although not a complete list:
- Doing anything to the coupon to modify it or the way the Manf. intended it to print.
- Removing the expiration date, modifying the bar code or the $ value of said coupon.
- Altering codes in the Manf. printing program
- Scanning or Copying coupons
- Using a coupon for other than what is written on the coupon.
- Using the coupon for another product that is not listed on the coupon.
- Purchasing a different size than what is listed on the coupon.
- Purchasing a different quantity than what is listed on the coupon.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
It sure does take more energy for folks to figure out how to cheat the system, than to just use the system “as is”… I wouldn’t even know where to begin to change coupons, etc. but wow, someone figured it out and is spoiling it for the rest of us. It’s just sad
It’s easy for people to think only of themselves and the fact that the manf’s can offer these discounts means they are generally overcharging most buyers!!! Sadly though we have to adhere to the rules for everyone’s gain and it is a kind of theft…..
i have had my printer stop during printing and had to restart so it printed off more than the “limit” but even the ones that printed the right way within the limit were the exact same so I used them all. Didn’t know this was wrong since they all were the same, so if thats true then how do they tell if its been copied or printed the right way??
As much as I’m frustrated by those coupon sites (our printer is networked so I can’t print/use their coupons), I wouldn’t do any of that stuff. Geez, they still have paper coupons that come in the mail & with the paper, ya know?
I’ve noticed all my coupon blogging websites that I frequent are sharing this information. Is it because of the fraudulent Snikkidy (sp?) kid’s snack offer? I got an e-mail from the company apologizing for the inconvenience. I thought that was nice- especially since it wasn’t their fault!
Julia:
Is this post related to the KMART coupon you posted a few days ago. I noticed you listed it as gone but my friend went to the Concord store and they told her the coupoun is a fake and would not take it.
I am new to coupons.
When I printed a coupon it was just easier for me to hit print x1 and then use my copy machine if I was going to use another one, I honestly had no idea that they had a limit!!!!I would never ever cheat a store! I always double check my coupons before I turn them in so the store is able to get the money returned to them. After reading some coupon sites I then realized that they have a print limit. UGH!! I really am sorry and hope the store got the money back . I am very careful to check size and experation dates.I would never steal!! Not to mention I do not like the cashier telling me I was wrong!!
I think as bloggers as yourself you should continue to make sure you bring this topic up for new people using coupons
Thank You!!!!