How to Tell if a Coupon Is Fraudulent

Knowing the proper signs will prevent the embarrassment of using a fraudulent coupon.

According to Washington State's Attorney General's Office, fraudulent coupons "are becoming a growing problem, shortchanging both shoppers and businesses." Businesses are being hacked for their product images and, in some instances, forced to honor fabricated coupons that cost them money. At the same time, the consumer is losing money because many of these coupons require a purchase and there's no guarantee the company will honor the coupon. Shoppers need to be able to spot fraudulent coupons so consumers get real savings and businesses aren't deterred from producing authentic coupons.

Instructions

1. Look for red flags. If there are a number of misspelled words, no bar code, no redemption date, no company or no contact information listed, do not trust the coupon. Scam artists will often use photo editing software to erase some of these elements before attempting to sell the coupon.

2. Be skeptical of emailed coupons. Not all emailed coupons are bogus, a number of them are. If a coupon for a large amount is received electronically, check it carefully. Many manufacturers will choose to mail their coupons directly the customer and include a watermark or hologram to prevent duplication.

3. Consider your investment. What did you have to pay to redeem the coupon? Remember, businesses are providing these savings, and the point of a business is to make a profit. If you want to purchase a coupon, start small and use common sense, according to CBS Money Watch. Try investing an amount that you won't miss and think about what the company is receiving from the deal. If the answer is nothing, the coupon could be a fake.

4. Make sure the company exists. Search for a website, address, phone number or email on the coupon. Contact the company and find out if the coupon is legitimate and how long they have been in business. If the company cannot verify the deal, then throw the coupon away or delete it.

Tips & Warnings

• Common Sense with Money suggests checking the Coupon Information Center to make sure the coupon is valid.

References

• Washington State Office of the Attorney General: Is Your Coupon a Fake?
• Common Sense with Money: Fraudulent Coupons Resource
• CBS Money Watch: How To Spot Fake Coupons and Giftcards

Resources

• Coupon Information Center