Using coupons is a great way to reduce your monthly
expenditure on household products, especially groceries. However, couponing
comes with specific rules and regulations
that you need to consider before actually using them.
“A fraud occurs whenever someone intentionally uses a
coupon for a product that he/she has NOT purchased or otherwise fails to
satisfy the terms and conditions for redemption, when a retailer submits
coupons for products they have not sold or that were not properly redeemed by a
consumer in connection with a retail purchase; or when coupons are
altered/counterfeited. These activities are almost always in violation
of Federal, State or local laws.”
Here are a few types of coupon code frauds that you should look out for.
Retailers Raise Prices to Absorb the Discount Codes Offered
Many retailers have a habit of increasing actual prices of
the products they have issued a voucher code for. This action
basically brings no benefit to the
shoppers for using the discount codes. In fact, some may even make a loss if they buy the promo code they have.
Unintentional Coupon Fraud
On the other hand, there are quite a few ways in which a
couponer can also commit accidental
coupon fraud? However, you don’t have to worry as we’ll cover all the scams that you need to distance from.
·
Copying Coupons
Making more than the limited number of copies posted on a
website is considered illegal. This information will be included in the coupon code, and you have
to follow this rule.
·
Decoding Coupons
All terms and conditions are
listed on a particular promo code. That sometimes includes color, size, design, and the name
of the product. Your job as an honest
couponer is to abide by the terms and avail the discount on the mentioned
product.
However, many couponing experts have started decoding
voucher codes to use it for products beyond the mentioned terms on the coupon.
Even though these coupons are scanned,
couponers are willing to get involved in
the fraud and also get away with it. – One day they will get caught!
·
Coupon Trading
All coupons are titled ‘non-transferability.’ That means it’s illegal to buy and resell
vouchers of any brand or product. In addition,
if a coupon is transferred from one
person to another, it isn’t considered valid anymore. Even though many
companies don’t mind people trading coupons as all that matters to them is
someone buying a product with the coupon, it’s still illegal.
Many online free coupon websites state that the vouchers they offer are actually free, but the money they charge is for
the postal expense and the cost of maintaining the site. As much as it seems accurate
if charged with a lawsuit, this argument
would have zero credibility in front of legal authorities. – It’s a Good thing Go Get Deals follows all laws and regulations
as coupon providers!
Stealing Newspapers or Newspaper Coupon Inserts
I’m pretty sure you are aware of the fact that newspapers
always have many discount vouchers available inside. Since couponing has become
a common trend, newspaper theft has experienced a significant rise. Even though
this activity is harmless, it’s illegal because the local distributor has to cover the cost. In addition, it’s also illegal to remove parts
of a newspaper that includes a coupon section.
On the other hand, if you are planning to go dig for old
newspapers in the trash, you are still breaking the law. Dumpster diving is
also illegal in many communities. If caught, you may need to serve many hours
in community service as a punishment.
Wrap Up
To avoid breaking any laws while couponing, you
need to focus on getting your discounts
from trusted free coupon websites.
Though you’ll save a fortune, you need to remember that a majority of all
discount vouchers are distributed for
free. – Stay safe and continue couponing legally!
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