What is Coupon Fraud and How Does it Affect Me at OGD?

[hotcouponmama]

We take the practice of couponing very seriously. We are appreciative that manufacturers are willing to offer discounts to us in this format because coupons really do save you money. For that reason, it is our goal to help protect the integretity of the coupon offer from the manufacturer by being viligent about protecting them from fraud. Our goal is to provide you with a solid understanding about coupon fraud so you understand acceptable coupon redemption policies, which allows manufacturers to continue to issue coupons.

What exactly is coupon fraud?

All of these practices are NOT ALLOWED to be discussed or referred to at Organic Grocery Deals. We do not wish to promote illegal activity.

Please understand that this is not an all-inclusive list. It is an example of the most common ways that coupons are abused. Just because something is not listed below, does not make it legal. Any posts that encourage or describe improper methods of coupon use will be deleted. However, if you have a question about how to properly use a coupon, please post it so we can help you through the answer.

An example that has come up before; "What is coupon decoding?". It is a valid question. "Coupon decoding is fraudulent method of using coupons and is not discussed on OGD" is a valid answer. "Coupon decoding is doing something like <decoding example>." is not.


Misuse of the written intent of the coupon: (Sometimes referred to as decoding)

• Essentially, it's using a coupon for other than what is written on the coupon and attempting to redeem the coupon for another product that is not listed on the coupon.

• Purchasing a different size than what is listed on the coupon.
• Purchasing a different quantity than what is listed on the coupon.
• Using the coupon after it has expired (unless your grocery store policy accepts expired coupons..only a handful of them do)

Using more than one manufacturer coupon on 1 product:

• You may only use one manufacturer coupon per item that you buy.
• If you have a coupon for $1.00/2 Pacific Natural Soups for example, you may use one coupon for every 2 cartons of soup.
• Almost all coupons state 1 coupon per purchase.
• You may use 2 coupons to buy 4 items (using the coupon example above), 3 coupons to buy 6 items, and so forth.

• Some coupons (namely Winetags and a few others) state on them "One per customer", "One per transaction", One per household" or other similar wording. Please use the coupons in accordance to the restrictions worded on the coupon.
• The only way to use 2 coupons on one item is if you are using a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon, and only if your store allows such practices.

Printing more than the allotted number of coupons:

• Many companies offer Internet printable coupon for many products. You can find lots of them in the OGD Coupon Database.

• When you sign up to print these coupons a tracking software program is often downloaded to your computer to enable you to print the coupons.
• This program has a set limit of how many times you are allowed to print that company’s coupon. Some only let you print once, some let you print 2 or 3 times by clicking the "back" button or returning to the homepage of the coupons. Very few companies will allow you to print unlimited amounts of their coupons.
• The tracking software that the companies require you to install on your computer not only allows you to print a limit, but may also include a tracking bar code where by the coupons can be traced back to you in case of fraudulent misuse of the coupon.
• Setting your computer or printer to override the coupon tracking software is misuse of the manufacturer's generosity and discussion of such behavior is not allowed at OGD.
• Scanning, saving coupons to file, or copying coupons are against most manufacturers written words on their coupons. Again, they could be traced back to you.
• If you wish to obtain multiples of an Internet printed coupon there are ways to do so. You can trade for them. You could go to the library, or perhaps computers at work, and print additional coupons. Ask friends and family to print for you.

Modifying a coupon:

• Doing anything to the coupon to modify it.

• Mainly removing the expiration date or modifying the bar code.

We hope you can appreciate the necessity to protect manufacturers from fraud. We all want to save money, and it's very easy to do so legitimately without skirting the system and causing the manufacturer financial harm.

Thanks!