Coupon Ethics vs Fraud
It is important to remember to always use coupons as they are intended. When you accidentally or intentionally purchase the wrong item with a coupon, it is considered coupon fraud. To put it simply - you are stealing from the manufacturer. They will most likely refuse to reimburse stores for the coupons that were fraudulently reedemed. Due to an increase in fraud, the coupon values are noticably dropping and stores are enforcing stricter coupon policies.
This is a recent example of fraud: The coupon states “Save $.25 on ONE 4 pack double roll or larger of Angel Soft bath tissue,” from Redplum 5/20/12. However, there is a trend of people knowingly misusing the coupon to buy cheaper 4 pack regular rolls instead. Some people try to use the excuse that "If the coupon scans, then it's ok." Unfortunately, the older barcodes are not as sophisticated as the new GS1 barcodes which makes it difficult to catch fraud.
On older barcodes, part of the coupon's barcode will match part of the product's barcode. This portion is called the family code. If the codes match on the register, the coupon will scan. Therefore, Angel Soft regular rolls will scan regardless if it is the exact product on the coupon, simply because the Family Code matches. This is how so many people have been getting away with coupon fraud.
Another growing problem is counterfeit coupons, where people will create a fake coupon and distribute it online. The best way to avoid fake internet coupons is to only print from reputable websites, such as coupons.com, or directly from the manufacturer. Also, never buy coupons from a clipping service or Ebay because you can't be sure if they are fraudulent or copies. It is illegal to reedem fake coupons/copies!
TLC's popular show "Extreme Couponing," does not depict realistic and ethical coupon practices. They encourage viewers to unnecessarily purchase hundreds of products. They depict couponers that receive hundreds of coupon inserts from "unnamed sources." They show the participants on national television breaking rules and limitations simply for added publicity. On top of it all, they continuously air episodes depicting coupon misuse, misredeption, and fraud. You can read more about this issue here.
Jaime Kirlew was featured on Extreme Couponing decoding and misusing hundreds of coupons. In one example, she buys Honey Nut Cheeries, Lucky Charms, and Kix using ".75/1 Fiber One cereal." She decoded UPC codes so she could use coupons on the wrong products.
