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.

Coupon fraud costs consumer product manufacturers hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

Coupon fraud also increases costs for consumers and makes it more difficult for honest consumers to legitimately use coupons.

What are the signs of a coupon scam?

• Does it sound too good to be true?
• Is there pressure to commit immediately?
• Are there claims to make extraordinary amounts of money in a short time frame?
• Are there vague or hostile answers to your questions?
• Are there claims that no risks are involved?
• Are there upfront fees to participate?
• Does the deal involve the sale or purchase of manufacturers’ cents-off coupons?
• Are there identical or old endorsements. You might see some great endorsements of the organization. When was the endorsement made? Last month or several years ago? Can you talk directly with the person making the endorsement? Do you see the same statements on numerous web sites?