Have you ever been embarrassed by a cashier who claimed your coupon is a fake? I have.
Most of the time you are (and I am) right, but sometimes they are (lame), so it’s important to keep in mind that not all bargains are as they appear. There have been an unprecedented number of fraudulent coupons circulating this year, and you may remember one recent counterfeit, extremely widely distributed through e-mail, that offered a free bag of Frito-Lay Doritos chips.
Here are some general tips about how to avoid falling prey to counterfeit coupons:
- Simply use the coupons you obtain from your newspaper, manufacturer’s web site or their authorized coupon distributor.
- Never pay money for a coupon (coupon books from trusted retailers excluded).
- Do not download coupons from Internet forums.
- Google a deal or coupon if it seems too good to be true.
- If a friend e-mails you coupons that look unprofessional, especially high value or free product coupons, they may be counterfeit.
For a copy of guidelines and to see a list of identified fraudulent coupons, go to Coupon Information Center’s website: http://www.cents-off.com/coupon-fraud-list.php?st=84bc3.
Ways to identify this fraudulent Doritos coupon:
· Offer is for a free bag up to $5
· No purchase required and doesn't feature a CIC hologram foil strip under expiration date
· There is only one barcode in the right hand side
· Coupon was distributed via e-mail
I know this is a bit of a downer, but I don’t want you to be embarrassed if you can help it. I’ve been through it and it stinks.
2 comments:
Great info. Thanks.
I've been accused of using fake coupons by a Petsmart cashier for a Purina cat treats B1G1 coupon printed directly from coupons.com, and for a Prairie Farms coupon printed directly from that company's website. It's embrassing and frustrating, when I know I always play by the rules.
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