How to Report Coupon Fraud
Coupon fraud has increased as the number of coupons available online has increased. Printing more coupons than allowed and altering coupons are examples of coupon fraud. Coupon fraud may seem like a victimless crime, but it adversely affects consumers whether they use coupons or not. Stores that accept coupons and manufacturers that issue coupons are also affected. Coupon fraud drives up the price of consumer items, as manufacturers are forced to pass costs to consumers, and stores must make up lost revenue due to inability to obtain reimbursement on fraudulent coupons.
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Instructions
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Gather all evidence linked to the suspected coupon fraud.
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Mail a letter detailing the suspected fraud to: The Coupon Information Corporation, 115-D South Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. All correspondence is confidential. The Coupon Information Corporation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the manufacturers' coupon system.
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Contact one of the following law enforcement agencies to report suspected coupon fraud: Federal Trade Commission, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Internal Revenue Service and the United States Postal Inspection Services (see Resources).
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Tips & Warnings
Do not confront suspected perpetrators of coupon fraud.
References
Resources
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