Coupon Queen: How to protect yourself from fraud

Coupon fraud hurts everyone. It lowers the trust stores have with people who use coupons, affects the value of coupons released, and can increase prices throughout the stores. Last fall, the FBI busted a counterfeit coupon scheme involving a couple from Virginia Beach. They found more than $1 million of falsified coupons for over 13,000 products when searching their home. This particular couple is now serving a combined 20 years in prison. Recently, the comedy "Queenpins," which was loosely based on a coupon fraud bust in Arizona, was released in theaters. Police were able to confiscate more than $25 million worth of coupons in the raid. One of the ladies arrested was sentenced to 24 months in prison and seven years of probation, while all of them were ordered to pay Proctor & Gamble more than $1.2 million. If you want to ensure that you are using coupons correctly, here are three things to never do. Don't buy coupons All coupons have a non-transferability clause stating that they are "void if bought, sold, traded, exchanged or transferred." It is written in the fine print on just about every coupon I've seen. On top of this, when you purchase coupons, there is no way to ensure they aren't stolen or counterfeit. Buying coupons puts you at risk. Keep in mind the higher the coupon value that you are buying, the more likely they are fake. If a coupon seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don't copy coupons Many security features are built into printable and newspaper insert coupons. Each printed coupon is given a unique barcode, and while they may scan in the grocery store, the store will never get reimbursed. These coupons are connected to your store and bank accounts and can be traceable. Don't misuse coupons If a coupon states "valid on 20-ounce bottle only," make sure that you purchase the indicated size. Using your coupons for something other than what is stated on the coupon is unethical and fraudulent. Unfortunately, there are whole groups dedicated to this type of coupon misuse. Be sure to read the words carefully on the coupon before redeeming it. So what can you do to make sure you are getting and using the correct coupons? Grab your coupons from a reputable source such as the weekend newspaper. Also, be sure to print coupons only from approved websites, such as coupons.com, pggoodeveryday.com, and kelloggsfamilyrewards.com, just to name a few. Lastly, read the fine print and pay attention to what your coupon includes and the sizes that it allows. Coupon fraud hurts us all, and it's just not worth it. This week's deal Here is a deal to grab at CVS this week. Kellogg's Frosted Flakes 13.5oz. Box — $1.99 Get 50 cents cashback via Ibotta when you buy select Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Cereal (limit 5) = $1.49 each! Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at couponingwithrachel@hotmail.com.