Glittering, Shining, and Sparkling are all words that sound delightful. However, in the coupon world, these glowing words are often attempts to cover up an ugly truth: Theft by Deception aka Fraud. Glittering and the like are terms used by some “Dark Side” couponers to describe the practice of stealing products using coupons for items [...]

Known as “Glitchmas” by criminals, many con artists take advantage of the chaos and staffing issues (new or temporary employees) during the holiday season. Retailers should be extra vigilant this year as inflation and other economic challenges have increased the appeal of criminal activities. Stolen items are often resold creating unfair competition further harming retailers. [...]

reposted from ABC News ON A NEW EPISODE OF ‘THE CON,’ THE TALE OF A MOTHER ON BED REST WITH GRAPHIC DESIGN SKILLS THAT LED TO THE BIGGEST COUPON SCAM IN U.S. HISTORY The ABC News Studios Primetime Series Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg Airs Thursday, Aug. 25, on ABC “The Coupon Con” – In 2016, [...]

MASHPEE, Massachusetts  – The CIC® Suspect Coupon Checker App played a significant role in charges1 being filed against Scott Lawrence of New Bedford, Massachusetts, who is suspected of passing counterfeit coupons at a local store.  Store employees used the CIC® Suspect Coupon Checker App to verify that coupons allegedly used by Lawrence were counterfeit. CIC’s [...]

Counterfeit coupons and spikes in organized retail theft diminished many retailers’ bottom lines and caused some to feel isolated and under siege last year. Headline stories and Hollywood movies about coupon fraud added fuel to the fire. The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC®) is here to help. Retailers should not be victims of unscrupulous coupon counterfeiters.  [...]

Download Press Release NORFOLK, Virginia – Lori Ann Talens, the leader of the “MasterChef” counterfeit coupon conspiracy, was sentenced today to 12 years incarceration, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay more than $31 million in restitution. This lengthy sentence will be served concurrently with her sentences for other federal offenses, including Medicaid [...]

NORFOLK, Virginia – Lori Ann Talens and Pacifico Talens pled guilty to felony charges in a counterfeit coupon scam that stole more than $31 million from consumer product manufacturers and retailers. The pair used the name “Master Chef” and other designations on multiple social media platforms to conspire with others to create and distribute counterfeit [...]

NAPLES, Florida – The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) announced today that it has begun providing retailers, law enforcement representatives and CIC Members a new App to instantly identify counterfeit coupons. The App, known as the CIC® Suspect Coupon Checker, will be provided free of charge.<?p> “This incredibly powerful tool is easy to use and will [...]