I am not going to dignify this too much, because everyone knows how I feel about shelf clearing. So it stands to reason that coupon fraud would really p*ss me off. And it further nauseates me that a show would knowingly air an episode when (allegedly) a consumer was using coupons fraudulently. I knew when TLC’s Extreme Couponing hit the air there would be repercussions. These people are why companies like Target have “Coupon Police.” So just in case you don’t know what constitutes fraud, I will list as many as I can think of off the top of my head.
*Unauthorized duplication of a coupon. Scanning, photo copying, anything that duplicates outside of the means of the original printing process.
*Knowingly using inappropriate coupons for a product. For example, some P&G products have similar codes, but are entirely different products, however might scan for the wrong product. People obviously do this for a higher dollar amount on a coupon. If you have a big order and think you can sneak one or two by a clerk who is not paying attention, good luck to ya. Because if you scanned a rewards card, or paid with debit, they have every right to audit transactions. Don’t think they don’t. My old man worked for CVS loss prevention. Coupon fraud is the leading source of loss, after employee theft.
*Which leads me to a subject that drives me to drink. Having multiple cards under an alias is coupon fraud. Let me ask you, does anyone really need 20 free Airwick room fresheners, or do you think that the 1 or 2 a month between, IDK, 5 stores is good enough? Is it enough temptation to pay a lawyer to avoid a felony? I say no.
This is basically the crux of the situation. This allegation of this show is not new. I see fraud happen enough in real life, without a network (allegedly) promoting it. This week, people are blogging that a certain deal at CVS is valid, but they are using the wrong coupon, because of the much higher value. This is fraud. You know, I understand what temptation is, but folks, I know the penalty. It is so not worth having something that embarrassing on your record.
And yes, my first sentence is a lie. I dignified it too much.
