coupon counterfeiting and fraud

The CIC  website will help you if you think your coupon might be counterfeit.  Most coupons will not be emailed to you via someone else.  If you get an emailed forwarded to you from someone that contains a free or nearly free coupon. It is most likely a counterfeit.

There is  consequences to coupon counterfeit and fraud.
Coupon Fraud is prosecuted.
     Meet the CIC, they prosecute coupon fraud and boast about having never lost a case since 1986. 
     The penalties they have seen:
     Longest prison sentence: 17 years
     Highest financial penalty: $5 million.
     Prison sentences of three to five years are not uncommon. 
     Financial penalties generally vary, but have often been in excess of $200,000.

Stay honest in your couponing.  Here are some rules to follow.

Always follow the words on the coupon.  If it says it is for a 6oz bottle, then buy the size indicated.  While it might work for another size or even product that is fraudulent use of the coupon.

Don’t intentionally use expired coupons.  If your store has said that it is okay, you should still ask before using one on every trip.  Most stores DO NOT allow any.

You should never make a copy, scan, or fax of a printable coupon in any way.  There are lots of security features built into these coupons.  While they may scan in the grocery store - the store will never get reimbursed for them.

Thanks Southern Savers.