Naples, Florida—The Alcatraz East Crime Museum located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is expanding its counterfeiting display with a section titled “Operation: Super Coupon.” It will feature numerous coupons confiscated during a coupon fraud investigation by the Phoenix Police Department in 2012, which led to the arrest and conviction of three women who were running a high-value coupon fraud scheme.
The fake coupon ring was led by Robin Ramirez, who had two other women assist her. When authorities arrested her following an 8-week investigation, more than $40 million worth of counterfeit coupons were seized by the Phoenix Police Department. She was ultimately sentenced to two years in prison, seven years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution. The story inspired the 2021 movie “Queenpins,” starring Kristen Bell and Vince Vaughn.
Coupon Information Corporation (CIC®) Executive Director Bud Miller, CPP stated, “Information is key and the museum will help educate the public about the pitfalls and penalties of counterfeit coupons.” People using counterfeit coupons are subject to arrest. Consumers should never buy coupons to avoid potential legal issues such as purchasing counterfeit and/or stolen coupons.
The CIC urges industry participants to review and implement loss prevention technologies that are available, including Positive Offer Files, the CIC Early Warning File, AI (8112) barcodes and the CIC® Suspect Coupon Checker App. These technologies can be an integral part of a layered defense that will substantially reduce vulnerability to fraud.
The CIC is a not-for-profit association of proactive manufacturers dedicated to supporting coupon and other promotion integrity efforts. Please contact the CIC if you are interested in membership.
About Alcatraz East
Alcatraz East is a crime museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee that provides interactive exhibits and artifacts from criminal cases. It is located at 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.alcatrazeast.com.
Retailers: Scan this QR code to register for CIC’s Suspect Coupon Checker App. It’s Free!
