Coupons sure come in handy at the checkout line. But just like counterfeit money, counterfeit coupons are big business. Which is why the Better Business Bureau is warning about fake coupons and coupon scams.
John Zajac of the Better Business Bureau says "we're in an age where everyone wants to save money, which is great. However, there are millions of counterfeit coupons that are in the marketplace.
Zajac points to EBay as an example. He says type "coupon" in the search box and tens of thousands of coupons for sale appear. "If you've purchased these coupons, which some people do, you're buying a counterfeit product. Then, if you pass those coupons onto the retailer or manufacturer you are in essence contributing to that fraud."
And you can be held accountable. Zajac says law enforcement agencies are cracking down on counterfeit coupon scams. Those caught can face charges including wire fraud and trafficking in counterfeit goods.
Turns out many of the scam artists are buying the fake coupons in bulk overseas and then selling them at about half the face value. And if you buy them you're part of the problem. "If they are counterfeit coupons, that's no different then having counterfeit money," says Zajac.
The consumers who pass off the counterfeit coupons are cheating the stores who unknowingly accept them and or the manufacturers who are losing money and incentive to keep offering legitimate coupons.
Zajac says: "There are a lot of people who look on line for coupons. Some sites may offer 10% off, 15% off a particular high ticket item but then this other site says 75% off. Well, there's an adage that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
And if a site wants to you sign up and divulge personal information in order to score free coupons Zajac says beware you could be opening the door to identity theft.
You can find BBB tips on how to tell fake coupons from real ones on the BBB Website.
One good rule of thumb, according to Zajac, never pay for coupons. He says why would you pay for something you can get for free?
Saturday, May 18 2013 7:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 23:53:15 GMT
Ireland Nugent, the 2-year-old girl who lost her feet and part of her legs in a lawnmower accident, was invited by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Saturday to visit Winter the dolphin.
Ireland Nugent, the 2-year-old girl who lost her feet and part of her legs in a lawnmower accident, was invited by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Saturday to visit Winter the dolphin.
Saturday, May 18 2013 5:22 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:22:04 GMT
Dr. Reed, Dr. Pilon-Thomas and Dr. Sarnaik of Moffitt Cancer Center receive a check for $150,000 from Rob Shapiro and Jim Sirignano with Swim Across America - Tampa Bay.
Approximately 250 swimmers took to the water at Pier 60 Saturday in Clearwater Beach, in an effort to raise money for Moffitt Cancer Center Swimmers came from all over Tampa Bay.
Approximately 250 swimmers took to the water at Pier 60 Saturday in Clearwater Beach, in an effort to raise money for Moffitt Cancer Center Swimmers came from all over Tampa Bay.
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:11 AM EDT2013-05-18 15:11:49 GMT
If you're planning to put the expense of this summer's vacation on a credit card and pay it off over time, travel experts say you may want to avoid using reward cards.
If you're planning to put the expense of this summer's vacation on a credit card and pay it off over time, travel experts say you may want to avoid using reward cards.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:00 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:00:27 GMT
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:25:15 GMT
Only two of 13 small SUVs are getting passing grades in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal"
Only two of 13 small SUVs are getting passing grades in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal"
Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:11 AM EDT2013-05-18 15:11:49 GMT
If you're planning to put the expense of this summer's vacation on a credit card and pay it off over time, travel experts say you may want to avoid using reward cards.
If you're planning to put the expense of this summer's vacation on a credit card and pay it off over time, travel experts say you may want to avoid using reward cards.
